Mickey Arthur has pledged his loyalty to South Africa amid speculation that he is in the running to take over the job of England coach.

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The Proteas coach is thought to be the top target of the England and Wales Cricket Board to replace Peter Moores, who was sacked in January following a high-profile falling out with then captain Kevin Pietersen.

Reports have continuously linked Arthur with the role, but he has scotched suggestions that he will be in charge of the side for their summer programme, despite suggesting his agent had been contacted in discussions with the ECB.

"I certainly didn't apply for the job," said Arthur. "There have been chats back and forth, but I've only chatted to the agent who looks after me. My loyalties are totally with South Africa - I honestly can't see myself going to England at this point in time."

The 40-year-old also pledged his full support to his current employers, adding: "I've got another three years on my contract with Cricket South Africa, and I'm really excited about where we're at.

"I'm really excited about the team we have and the brand of cricket we're playing, and I think the next three years are going to be very, very good for South Africa. I want to be part of that."

With Graham Ford also ruling himself out of the running the likelihood of interim coach Andy Flower, who oversaw the tour of the West Indies at short notice, taking the job permanently look to have increased.