Kinnear rubbishes Dawson rumours

Last updated : 22 August 2004 By Daniel Mounser
Woodgate joined Real Madrid for £13.4m last week and some reports claimed Dawson would be the natural replacement in a deal worth around £4m.

But Kinnear said: "I'm not aware that Newcastle want Daws and as far as I'm concerned this speculation is a load of utter garbage.

"The press boys and agents can talk to who they want and they can say what they want because it's all immaterial.

"Daws has got two more years left on his contract and that means we will decide what's happening.

"He's contracted to Nottingham Forest Football Club - end of story.

"I've certainly not heard of any interest Newcastle might have in Daws.

"Liverpool? Yes - I spoke to Gerard Houllier two or three times last season but I've not spoken to anyone from Liverpool since then.

"And anyway, the boy's injured so no-one's even had a chance to see him play this season.

"But when he's fit I bet they'll be queuing up."

Forest chairman Nigel Doughty would welcome a bid of around £5m but would be unwilling to discuss any bid lower than the £4m mark.

Sir Bobby Robson is actively looking for a replacement and could well be keen on the idea of Dawson linking up with former Forest midfielder Jermaine Jenas who they grabbed for £5m.