Football
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Newcastle rejected by Steve McClaren, eye Paul Clement - report

Newcastle are considering appointing Real Madrid first-team coach Paul Clement as their new manager, according to the Daily Telegraph, after being turned down by Derby boss Steve McClaren.

The Magpies are said to have approached McClaren about replacing John Carver after an eighth successive Premier League defeat left them just two points above the relegation zone.

However, McClaren, who saw his Derby side miss out on a Championship playoff place on the last day of the season on Saturday, insists he has no plans to leave the club.

"I hear the speculation and I see the speculation," McClaren is quoted as saying by The Guardian. "There's been a lot of it and I will reiterate what I have said to the board and the players, that I am 100 percent committed to finishing the job here at this moment.

"I wouldn't be sat here otherwise talking and planning and trying to get over the anger and disappointment of the past couple of days. It's been tough. I've met the players and staff today and I'm meeting the board tomorrow. My total focus and commitment is on Derby County, 100 percent. The speculation is out there; the truth will be in Newcastle."

Asked if he had turned down the Newcastle job this week, McClaren added: "This is about Derby County, not Newcastle. Head up north if you want to find out about that. This is not a bad team overnight nor a bad club overnight. That's why I want to stay here and finish the job." 

Newcastle will now reportedly turn their attention to Clement, who is expected to depart Madrid this summer to pursue a managerial career.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is keen to speak to Clement and has been impressed by his growing reputation on the training pitch. Clement, however, will not consider his options until the end of Madrid's season.

Real Sociedad coach David Moyes, Lekhwiya boss Michael Laudrup and Ajax manager Frank de Boer have also been linked with the Newcastle job.

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