NUFC Refuse To Comment On Paco Jemez Coach Link

Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez is the latest manager to be linked with the head coach role at Newcastle United - and the club have refused to deny the rumours. According to reports in Spain, the Magpies have been tracking Jemez in recent weeks and he is an outside contender for the head coach€™s position at St James€™ Park - despite many believing Steve McClaren is almost certain to move back to the North East. Jemez himself has also remained coy on the situation, with the 45-year-old stating that the "Premier League is a nice place" and that he is yet to make a decision on his long-term future.

Current interim Newcastle boss John Carver has taken an average of just 0.6 points per game in his 15 fixtures at the helm - and has seen his side go on a club-record seven-match Premier League losing run - and that has supposedly turned the club€™s attentions to Iberia. And, according to The Chronicle, the club offered a "no comment" response when asked about the links to Jemez. Carver is still believed to be one of the leading candidates for the permanent head coach€™s role at the Magpies, but Newcastle€™s alarming form has forced the hierarchy to consider alternatives.

Jemez - who has guided Rayo to 11th in La Liga this season, having taken the club to their highest-ever league finish of eighth a couple of seasons ago - said of the speculation on Thursday:

"The Premier League is a nice place, where football evolves very rapidly and is a step up in economic potential. It's a different mentality and culture. "I would like to manage there someday, but I do not know when I will. I still have not made a decision on my future."

The former Alcala, Cordoba, Cartagena and Las Palmas head coach also enjoyed a stellar playing career as a centre-back - being capped 21 times by Spain, as well as representing clubs including Deportiva La Coruna and Real Zaragoza. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.