Hull boss Steve Bruce has ruled himself out of the running to become the next Newcastle United manager, should Alan Pardew leave for Crystal Palace.

Despite managing Sunderland for a spell, Bruce supported Newcastle as a youngster and he says he is “flattered” to be linked with the role.

However, Bruce is looking to finish at least this season’s job with Hull. "I am determined to see this through [with Hull] and make sure we stay in the Premier League" he stated.

Derby County boss Steve McLaren has also been linked with the post but he, too, cited focus on his current as the reason why he would not be interested in the role.

One thing is for certain, and that is that Fabricio Coloccini will not be Pardew’s successor at St. James’s Park. The defender doesn’t hold even a coaching badge, let alone the pro licence now mandatory for managers at Premier League level.

Alan Pardew is expected to be officially ratified as Crystal Palace’s new manager in the coming days, following the departure of Neil Warnock on Saturday,