Newcastle have denied that they are on the verge of parting company with Alan Shearer, despite speculation about a transfer to Inter Milan.

The Italian giants are understood to be set to bid for the England skipper so they can link him up with Ronaldo, in a move which would test the Magpies' resolve to the full.

However, Newcastle are adamant that even a world record bid would fail to change their mind, and that the arrival of new boss Ruud Gullit has not produced the tension expected in some quarters.

Gullit, who had questioned United's thinking when they splashed out £15 million for the star, said: "I am looking to strengthen the squad and not weaken it by selling Shearer. He is very much part of my plans.

"His attitude has been very, very good since I arrived and he took his goals very well on Saturday."

The Newcastle board have had to kill off so many rumours about Shearer's future it has become almost a weekly event, with Chelsea and Aston Villa linked, along with Inter.

Clearly some clubs have perceived a rift in the relationship between Newcastle and Shearer since Gullit arrived and are hoping to take advantage.

But Shearer has recently bought a new home within a few miles of Newcastle, and although he knew about the rumours before they were published, yesterday he refused to discuss the matter.