SHOLA Ameobi's agent last night denied that Ipswich Town had made a bid for the Newcastle United striker.

Derek Davis

SHOLA Ameobi's agent has denied Ipswich Town have made a bid for the Newcastle United striker.

It therefore follows that no bid has been accepted for the 26-year-old, despite widespread rumours on the internet to that effect yesterday.

Newcastle United refused to deign the reports with an answer and Ipswich Town said merely: "We are aware of reports today linking Ipswich Town Football Club with Shola Ameobi but we will not be making any comment on the matter."

Ameobi's agent Steven Denos was not so reticent though and dismissed the suggestion that his client was subject of a £4m done deal.

Denos said: “It's speculation. As far as I'm concerned Ipswich have not put a bid in for Shola.

“There has certainly been no dialogue from Newcastle to me to the effect that a bid has been submitted from any club at this stage.”

If a deal had been agreed, then Denos would have been informed by Newcastle that his client was allowed to hold personal terms with the Blues.

Although no formal bid has been made it is clear that Jim Magilton is keen on the player. The EADT reported earlier this year he wanted to take him on loan and made enquiries about him again more recently.

Ameobi ended the season at Stoke City after playing the six games without scoring in his modest contribution to their promotion.

The Potters paid £575,000 to loan the player and paid him a bonus on top of his £15,000-a-week wages when they reached the premiership.

Although a deal had been agreed with Newcastle that they could keep him the Nigerian born striker was not keen to stay at the Britannia Stadium as their style of football did not best suit him.

Norwich City boss Glenn Roeder, who managed him at St James' Park, is also a known admirer but affording him could be the issue.

Not that Ameobi has any problems talking with Championship clubs, if they can come up with the £4m, which includes add-ons, Newcastle will accept but is not so keen to the MLS despite interest from Toronto FC.

Denos added: “Our position is that we will be willing to talk to any club that puts a bid in to Newcastle that is acceptable."

The former England Under-21 international, 26, made just eight appearances for the Magpies last term but has a reasonable goal return overall with 45 goals in 135 starts and 95 substitute appearances, since being handed his debut by Sir Bobby Robson.