ROVERS midfielder David Dunn is reportedly the number one midfield target for Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson.

The newly knighted legend has been linked with a move for the England Under-21 skipper in the past and reports from the North East suggest that he is ready to make a serious move for him.

But this morning Rovers chief executive John Williams insisted: "I have heard the rumours but I can say categorically that this club has not had any contact from anyone at Newcastle United.

"I spoke to Graeme Souness yesterday and he did no mention it and so it is fair to say if he has not been contacted and nor have I, then Newcastle have not come in for David Dunn."

Dunn exploded onto the Premier League stage last season with a series of eye-catching displays and he was on stand-by for the full England World Cup squad right up to the last minute having led the Under-21s in the European Championships in Switzerland a month ago.

A product of the youth system at Rovers, the 22-year-old he made his debut in the relegation season of 1998-99. Last season was his best for both club and country and he has been ear-marked as one for the future by England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Rovers is the club the Great Harwood born youngster followed as a boy and he has said he can't wait to be involved in European action next season.

Williams is unsurprised that Dunn has been linked with pother clubs and he expects there will be more rumours surrounding Dunn as well as Irish winger Damien Duff in the weeks to come.