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Hughes had emerged as a leading candidate to replace Sam Allardyce at St James' Park and had been installed as the bookies' second favourite after Harry Redknapp to take the job.

It is no surprise that the former Wales coach has been touted for the job as, not only has he turned Blackburn into one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League, but he also encourages the kind of attacking style of football that many Newcastle fans crave.

But Hughes dismissed the rumours, saying he has had no contact with the Tyneside club, and is not expecting any in the future.

"There's always speculation when any big job comes up. I seem to be talked about in good terms and I'm appreciative of that but it's just recognition of the work myself and my staff do here," he said.

"I have not spoken to anyone from Newcastle, I spoke to my chairman last night and he has had no contact, and I don't think there will be any contact.

"I am in a very strong position here, I have a great relationship with the chairman and the board and that is really important.

"When managers have that relationship it's a big decision to forego that as the relationship is the key to whether we can be successful."

Portsmouth manager Redknapp remains the favourite to take over at Newcastle, despite having attempted to distance himself from the talk, with a £20 million bumper deal reportedly in the pipeline.

Everton boss David Moyes has already been ruled out of the running after Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright claimed he spoke to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who assured him an approach for the Scot would not be made.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport