BRYAN Klug and Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder have both denied that the Blues Academy director is set to take on a similar role with the Magpies.Klug, who is in the running to become the new Ipswich Town manager in partnership with Jim Magilton, has distanced himself from reports but admitted things can change quickly.

By Derek Davis

BRYAN Klug and Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder have both denied that the Blues Academy director is set to take on a similar role with the Magpies.

Klug, who is in the running to become the new Ipswich Town manager in partnership with Jim Magilton, has distanced himself from reports but admitted things can change quickly.

Klug said: “There is absolutely nothing in it. I have been here 18 years and I'm perfectly happy at Ipswich Town but you never know what is around the corner in football.”

Newcastle boss Roeder also dismissed the reports, which emanated from the north-east. He said: “I can assure you that we have had no contact with Bryan Klug or Ipswich Town.

“We have three or four candidates to fill the position and I'm determined to bring in the right person.

“Bryan is someone I'm aware of and he would fit the bill but it would be wrong to say we have already made our minds up.”

Roeder is set to appoint Kevin Bond as his No. 2 at St James' Park with the current Portsmouth assistant to Harry Redknapp expected to join the Magpies today.

With a number of other potential candidates already ruled out and some dropping out of the running for a variety of reasons, the Klug/Magilton partnership is looking a strong possibility for the Portman Road job, although there are still two other candidates very much in the frame.

Magilton is currently holidaying in Spain and it is understood at least one of the two other contenders is also away.

Luton manager Mike Newell is the latest to reveal he had been interviewed by chairman David Sheepshanks and chief executive Derek Bowden but he has not been invited for a second interview.

Newell, who has yet to sign a new deal with the Hatters, is also linked with the Pride Park vacancy. He admitted: “I have had interviews with Ipswich and Derby but I wanted to stay at Luton.”

The EADT understands Brentford boss Martin Allen was also spoken to but he did not make the cut either.

Allen, who has twice failed at the play-off stage to get Brentford promoted, was reported to have quit his post at Griffin Park but the Bees have insisted he is still their manager and will remain to be so, despite speculation that he was in line to take over at Tranmere Rovers.

Another not in the reckoning is Dave Penney at Doncaster Rovers with his chairman John Ryan insisting the Yorkshire club were potentially bigger than Ipswich.

Ryan said: “There has not been an approach but there has been a lot of speculation about Dave's future and I'm confident he will stay.

“He can see the progress we are making, he has a great squad and I've given him enormous backing. Although this may sound ridiculous to some people, we are potentially a bigger club than Ipswich.”

A number of potential bosses have been linked with Ipswich without foundation, possibly by agents, other clubs or just mischief-makers, as the managerial merry-go-round spins away.

Although no definitive decision has been made between the three candidates the man to replace Joe Royle will be revealed next week, when all are back

from holidays.