An intriguing day of rumour and counter-rumour was finally brought to a close last night when Bobby Robson, the Newcastle United manager, vigorously denied reports he had lodged a £10m bid to entice Andy Cole back to St James' Park.

Robson declared himself mystified by a story that appeared in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle stating that Cole was on the verge of making an emotional return to the North-east six years after his then British record £7m transfer to Manchester United.

The story dominated the football grapevine all day, despite vehement denials from Old Trafford that there had not been so much as an approach.

Robson, too, was baffled. "All I can tell you is that there is no truth in it, whatsoever. No bid has been made for Andy Cole since I have been at the club. I can categorically deny it."

The origin of the story remains a mystery, but last night it emerged, from informed sources within St James' Park it may have been deliberately leaked by senior figures inside the club to pacify supporters in the wake of their Intertoto Cup defeat by Troyes.

Cole built his reputation at Newcastle with 68 goals in 84 appearances during Kevin Keegan's reign and it is clear their supporters would welcome his return.

The club are in the market for a new striker amid ongoing concerns about Alan Shearer's injury problems and the news that Carl Cort will be sidelined for the next three months. Cole has made it clear he is unhappy that Ruud van Nistelrooy's £19.5m arrival from PSV Eindhoven has deprived him of a first-team place this season.

But Sir Alex Ferguson would vigorously oppose any approach for the 29-year-old, and so far only Fulham have registered a tentative interest. "We haven't had an offer for Andy," said Peter Kenyon, United's chief executive.