De Jong denies Magpies talk

De Jong: Going nowhere

Dutch midfielder Nigel De Jong has rejected talk linking him with a move to Newcastle, saying he is focusing on the new season at Hamburg.

Reports emanating from England suggested Newcastle were lining up a move for the 23-year-old after being impressed by his performances during Euro 2008.

However, De Jong has quashed the rumours, saying he is happy at Hamburg and not is thinking about a move away.

"I am in HSV now and I am concentrating on the new season," De Jong told Spox. "Everything else, whether there are other offers, does not interest me.

"Sure, if you have a good European Championship then it's easy to get one or the other offer but, for me, this is not so important.

"I am just focused on HSV."

Return

The 34-year-old, who ended his playing career at Hartlepool last season, has taken up the position of strength and conditioning coach under senior fitness coach Mark Hulse.

Elliott made 188 senior appearances for his home-town club in two spells at St James' Park and played under Keegan during his first reign as manager.

He returned under Sir Bobby Robson in the summer of 2001 and spent five more years on Tyneside before heading for neighbours Sunderland and then Leeds.