Sprtsdirect.com has apologised to Wayne Rooney for running a story that suggested Newcastle had made a bid for the player.

The 27 year old recently requested a move away from Old Trafford but reports linking him to Saint James's park have proved unfounded as the website has admitted its story was without “merit and is untrue”.

Sportsdirect.com is the online arm of, Newcastle United majority shareholder, Mike Ashley’s, Sports Direct business.

Yesterday’ article claimed Newcastle had spoken with Rooney’s representatives and were preparing a formal bid, with the aim of bringing in the player to make a challenge for the top 4 next season. Newcastle have narrowly avoided relegation this season.

The article quoted a Newcastle source as saying: "Newcastle see Wayne as their ideal player. He's a strong centre-forward, would relate to the fans and would be a massive boost to the club's brand name.”

Last night the website released the following retraction of the story:

“SportsDirect News wishes to express its sincere apologies to Wayne Rooney and Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group for publishing the article ‘Newcastle in shock Rooney bid’, which was formulated and published without authority, merit and is untrue.”