Steve McClaren plays down Newcastle United reports

Derby County head coach Steve McClaren has played down suggestions that he could leave the Championship club to replace Alan Pardew at Newcastle United.

Reports on Tuesday suggested that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was looking at the former England manager as a possible candidate to take charge of the Magpies as the club prepare to lose Pardew, who is close to being announced as the new Crystal Palace boss.

When asked about the rumours linking him with a move to St James' Park, McClaren told Sky Sports News: "I think there have been about 10 linked!

"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."

Derby climbed up to third in the Championship with a 2-0 win over Leeds United on Tuesday evening.