As suspected, the Luciano Becchio rumour that’s been doing the rounds this week was absolute nonsense.

Following on from Ken Bates’ rant about Middlesbrough’s transfer policy – accusing them of “tapping-up” – Tony Mowbray came out to dismiss all speculation in a much more dignified manner than our chairman.

The Middlesbrough manager said;

“All I would say is I don’t think anyone from our football club has ever mentioned any players from Leeds.

“All I can say from our point of view is it’s nothing to do with our club.

“We haven’t made any approaches, any comments, so we get on with the job and if people want to react to rumour or gossip then so be it.

“It’s a storm in a teacup if it’s a storm at all.”

I doubt we’ll get an apology from our chairman the next time he addresses the nation for his totally over-the-top rant, but I do hope he’ll learn something from this mini-drama.

Bates’ reaction only served to further fuel speculation, which suggests he either wants to drum up interest in Luciano and ensure his name remains in the papers OR he simply didn’t think before talking. I suspect the latter.