STEVE McCLAREN has ruled himself out of the running to be Newcastle United's new head coach and publicly insisted he will not be leaving Derby County.

McClaren had been the favourite to replace Alan Pardew at St James' Park, with a number of influential figures in the Newcastle hierarchy known to be staunch admirers of the former Middlesbrough and England boss.

When asked whether he would consider moving to Tyneside at the weekend, McClaren delivered a somewhat non-commital answer that led some to conclude that he could be lured from the iPro Stadium.

However, he has sought to clarify his position today and comprehensively ruled out swapping Derby for Newcastle while his current employers are involved in the thick of the Championship promotion battle.

McClaren told the Derby Telegraph: "Sam Rush (Derby chief executive) spoke to me about three times last week and I said to him then, 'Look, don't worry, I am going nowhere'.

"I have got a job to do here. I don't want to let people down here. You've got to show loyalty. Derby have given me a great opportunity. They have backed me and Sam and the owners have been fantastic.

"We have asked players to commit to long contracts to take Derby forward, and the staff as well. We are building here and I want to see the job through.

"I love it here. I don't want to let people down and there is no question of that, despite all the rumours.

"These things are going to crop up with players and with staff, and it can't derail us. Our objective is to push for the Premier League and we feel we are in a good position to do that.

"I don't want to let people down on that. The supporters have been fantastic with me from day one. There is nothing in my mind that says I am going anywhere."

Newcastle's search for a new head coach remains ongoing, with current caretaker John Carver expected to remain in charge for Saturday's Premier League game at Chelsea.