THERE was no sign at Ewood today of the mysterious fax said in one of yesterday's Sunday newspapers to have been sent by Newcastle, bidding £12 million for Alan Shearer.

Indeed, Newcastle's assistant manager Terry McDermott was quoted this morning dismissing the suggestion.

And sources very close to the Tyneside club also ruled it very unlikely, adding that Kevin Keegan and other officials who would be involved in any bid were all away.

But, not unexpectedly, Newcastle would certainly be interested if Shearer became available. So too would every other rich and ambitious club in football. The speculation continues to run riot and, in some ways, it is becoming self-destructive.

People are reading so many words with so little evidence to back them up that they are starting to become sceptical.

Inter Milan are now said to be preparing a £22 million bid for the England striker - £14 million plus Croatia star Zvonimir Boban.

As far as Rovers are concerned the situation remains unchanged.

They have not struck a deal with any other club and they will do everything in their power to ensure it stays that way.

It's clear that the only thing which could alter the position is if Shearer himself comes back from holiday and declares he wants to leave and, so far, there have not been any indications from him to that end.

Rovers fans will, naturally, continue to worry and wonder if someone is orchestrating a campaign to unsettle him.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.