Ince Silent On Newcastle TalkPaul Ince has refused to rule himself out of the running for the vacant Newcastle United job...
The Blackburn Rovers manager refused to comment on what he termed 'speculation' that he was set to take up the reins at St James' Park.
Although Ince has only been at Ewood Park with Rovers for three Premier League matches, it is understood that Newcastle are interested in acquiring his services.
Ince enjoys a close relationship with Newcastle executive director (football) Dennis Wise, with whom he shared a bond at Swindon Town during an early forray into management.
Since Kevin Keegan's abrupt St James' Park departure, a number of names have been in the frame for the post. Speculation suggests that Ince and Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager Gustavo Poyet are the early front-runners. Poyet has also worked with Wise, during their time at Leeds United.
Newcastle play Hull City tomorrow, while Blackburn travel to Arsenal. Newcastle's top-brass are reportedly interested in seeing how Ince fares against high-class opposition before making a move for him.
The man himself however, refused to be drawn on speculation; he neither ruled himself in nor out of the running for the poisoned chalice.
He stated to the press: "It is flattering to be linked to any club but it is speculation and I do not comment on speculation."