Ignore hype, says Newcastle chief

Beckham stepped down as England captain after the World Cup

Chairman Freddy Shepherd has warned fans to disregard much of the transfer speculation surrounding Newcastle in the wake of rumours over David Beckham.

The Daily Mail claimed the Real Madrid midfielder was seen having talks with Shepherd at a London hotel last week.

However, Shepherd has distanced himself from the report and told the club website: "Fans should not pay too much attention to what is being written.

"All this speculation has nothing to do with us and it's out of our control."

With captain Alan Shearer retired and England striker Michael Owen a long-term injury absentee, Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is likely to be active in the transfer market this summer.

"I'm excited about the new season and I'm excited about new players being brought in," he said.

We are in negotiations to renew his Real Madrid contract Beckham representative Simon Oliveira

But Shepherd said speculation about signings was just an occupational hazard beyond his control.

"Throughout the close season we have seen ourselves supposedly having met or moved for certain players when there is nothing in it," said Shepherd.

"Unfortunately speculation will always happen and there is little you can do about it."

Last week Beckham's representative in Spain, Simon Oliveira, insisted: "There's no truth of a meeting taking place."

He claimed it was pure coincidence that Beckham and Shepherd were at the hotel around the same time.

The Mail had pictures of Beckham's wife Victoria and Shepherd leaving the hotel separately but none of the former England captain, who they claim was "smuggled away through a different exit".

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But Oliveira said rather than seeking to leave Madrid, they were working to extend his stay there.

"We are in negotiations to renew his contract," he said.

"All parties have shown a desire to tie up a new deal and it will come sooner rather than later."

New Real president Ramon Calderon has already said he would like Beckham to stay at the Bernabeu "forever".

"He is a brilliant player and the supporters here are very much for him. He is also important in the commercial area," he added.