Everton this afternoon denied claims that they have accepted an stg£8million bid from Newcastle for striker Francis Jeffers.
Reports suggested that the Tynesiders had got in the first blow in the battle for the promising 20-year-old's signature after boss Walter Smith's admission last week that his future looks to lie elsewhere.
However, Ian Ross, head of corporate affairs and public relations at Goodison Park, said: "It's completely untrue to suggest that Everton have received or accepted any bid from Newcastle United for Francis Jeffers."
PA