Derby boss Steve McClaren has played down reports that he could be asked to succeed Alan Pardew at Newcastle United.
Pardew is widely expected to imminently quit the Magpies in order to take charge of Crystal Palace, with the two Premier League clubs said to be currently trashing out a compensation package.
McClaren is being talked up as a potential replacement but the former England coach says he is paying no attention to what is happening at St James’ Park, insisting that he is solely focused on Derby’s Championship campaign.
“I think there have been about 10 [people] linked [with Newcastle],” McClaren told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s the speculation season and all we can do is focus on what we are doing. We’ve got big games coming up and a job to do here.
“In the last year, I think we have established ourselves as a very good team, the club is building and growing and these are a great bunch of lads to work with and when they play like they did tonight [against Leeds], I enjoy watching their football.
“Their attitude is tremendous, they work hard and if we lose, it’s not through a lack of endeavour.”

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