Johann Rupert, one of the South Africans who have been linked with a bid to take over Newcastle, has denied claims that he is interested in the club.

The billionaire, who was behind Swiss-owned luxury goods company Richemont, has labeled his reported involvement as "fake". Claims have included Rupert as part of the South African consortium to bid on the Tyneside club.

Jonathan Cleland is understood to be the leader of the South African consortium and he reportedly had talks with Kevin Keegan about his return as manager once the takeover is successful.

However, Rupert insists he is not part of Cleland's group.

"I have never met Mr Cleland, never spoken to him on the phone and my secretary does not have a record of him calling," he said.

"I haven't spoken to any of the other parties either.

"I don't know Mr Cleland, I have a preference for cricket and rugby. I don't know anything about football and I'm not a football man."

Rupert said on Radio 5 Live: "I think it is a bit naughty. They use your name, you deny it - it is a total joke.

"If you Google me you find out I was supposed to be involved in Blackburn, which is untrue, and I'm now linked to Newcastle.

"I feel sorry for the fans because of the things that are going on there.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing was a fake."