Championship: Steve McClaren insists he is staying at Derby

Derby manager Steve McClaren is adamant he will stay at Pride Park despite continuing speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle.

The Magpies are currently seeking a replacement for Alan Pardew, who left St James' Park to take over at Crystal Palace last week.

But the former England boss has assured Derby chief executive Sam Rush he is totally committed to the high-flying Championship club even though he remains at the head of the next Newcastle manager betting.

McClaren told the Derby Telegraph: "Sam Rush 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."

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, with a late play-off defeat to Queens Park Rangers at Wembley, McClaren is determined to reach the Premier League with County this time around.

"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."