Shepherd hopeful on Rooney

Freddy Shepherd remains hopeful Newcastle will sign Wayne Rooney.

The Magpies have had two bids of £20 million and £23.5 million rejected by Everton for the teenage striker.

Newcastle are battling it out with Manchester United for Rooney with both clubs hoping to sign him before the close of the transfer window next week.

Shepherd admitted the club are waiting for a response from Everton to see if their bid is successful

"We are still waiting to hear from our friends at Everton to see what is happening," Shepherd told Sky Sports News.

"You know as much as me, we put the bid in and we are waiting to hear.

"I would hope (to sign him) yes of course.

"There is always time. We have got until next Tuesday night until 3.30 to do it and I am sure Everton will make up their mind before then.

"We never disclose that (the fee) that is between Everton and Newcastle."

Shepherd believes the possible signing of Rooney would match the arrival of Alan Shearer from Blackburn in a then British record deal of £15 million in the summer of 1996

"Well it would be another Alan Shearer arriving on Tyneside wouldn't it?

"You have always got to be optimistic as chairman of Newcastle United believe me," concluded Shepherd.