United reject Newcastle bid for Morrison

Newcastle have had a second bid for Manchester United teenager Ravel Morrison turned down.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the youngster’s contract demands are ‘unrealistic’.

The 18-year-old’s deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season and he has been in talks over extending his stay at the club, but Newcastle are monitoring his situation.

Ferguson told reporters on Friday morning that the Premier League champions have rejected a second offer from Newcastle for the midfielder.

“His agent has been working hard to get him another club,” he said.

“We’ve offered him terms which he has refused. His demands are unrealistic as far as we’re concerned.”

“We’ve rejected an offer from Newcastle. It’s all down to how that progresses.”

Morrison is yet to play in the Premier League but has racked up three Carling Cup appearances since turning pro in February 2010.

Last year he was given a 12-month referral order and forced to pay costs and compensation after being found guilty of witness harassment.

The midfielder is thought to be well regarded by United coaches, however, and scored twice when the club’s youngsters won the FA Youth Cup in 2011.

Newcastle are currently short of attacking options due to Demba Ba’s involvement with the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries to Sammy Ameobi and Nile Ranger.