Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has denied speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at St James' Park.
Redknapp had been the favourite to replace Sam Allardyce, who was sacked yesterday afternoon after an indifferent start to the season.
However, he expressed his satisfaction with his life down on the south coast, which he was unwilling to swap for the intense pressure that would come with managing English football's sleepiest of giants.

"I really do not know anything about this. I have not spoken to anyone from Newcastle," said Redknapp.

"When I saw Sam had left my immediate thoughts were that Alan Shearer was a certainty to take over.

"There's nothing in my being linked with the job. I had an offer not so long ago to take over at what I consider a massive club but I didn't go.

"I am happy down on the south coast."

Earlier, Redknapp's brother-in-law Frank Lampard Snr played down the link with Newcastle, saying that Redknapp, who has never managed north of London, would be unlikely to take the job at St James' Park.


Redknapp's rejection will add to the woes of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley after former striker and fans' favourite Alan Shearer also appeared to drop out of the running for the job.

According to the BBC, Shearer is happy with his role as a Match of the Day pundit.

However, Ashley could turn to former Tottenham manger Martin Jol, who has snubbed the offer of an interview at Fulham and turned down the chance to manage PSV Eindhoven in the hope of taking charge at one of the Premier League's big clubs.