Rams rebuff Barnes bid

Newcastle offer rejected

Last updated: 29th January 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rams rebuff Barnes bid

Barnes: Staying put

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Derby have rejected a bid from Newcastle for teenage star Giles Barnes, the Pride Park outfit have confirmed.

The highly-rated midfielder is starting to show some real form in the top-flight after struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League following the Rams' promotion last season.

Now Newcastle have looked to tempt Derby with a deal, which reports claim was as low as £2million.

The Rams have rejected the bid, which is understood to have been instigated by Newcastle's new vice-president Tony Jimenez.

"We got a phone call from Newcastle United about Giles Barnes, but the valuation was no way near what we believe he is worth," said Rams boss Paul Jewell.

Derby also confirmed that Tottenham - who have also been linked - have not made an approach, but a Championship club have.

"Tottenham haven't approached us about Giles Barnes," Jewell continued.

"The only other approach has come from a Championship club who enquired about taking him on loan."

Possible move

Although Jewell is a fan of Barnes, he admitted he would be allowed to leave if the right offer came in for him.

"I would like to keep him but if the player wanted to go and the money was right we would not stand in his way, like with any other player," he said.

"Giles Barnes is going to be a terrific player in the future.

"A lot has been said about Giles and it is a lot to put on his shoulders.

"He missed pre-season and is catching up, and some people expect too much of him.

"As I have said, if Giles Barnes knocked on my door and said he wanted to leave, and the deal was right for the club, I wouldn't stand in his way.

"But if Giles Barnes says he wants to stay, no matter how much is offered he is a player I would like to keep hold of as he is a talent."

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will up their offer for 19-year-old - who scored at St James' Park for Derby in December.

West Ham - the club Barnes supports - have a long-standing interest in the player and made a bid last summer, and they could yet rekindle their interest.