Newcastle cold on Mourinho claims

Newcastle today moved to distance themselves from fresh claims that Porto boss Jose Mourinho will replace Sir Bobby Robson.

As the 71-year-old prepared his side for tonight's UEFA Cup quarter-final, second-leg clash against former club PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park, the subject of his successor was raised once again, much to the annoyance of Tyneside chiefs.

And while there was no official comment from the clubs, insiders dismissed the latest speculation over Robson's former interpreter, the man who last month masterminded Manchester United's Champions League demise.

United confirmed a fortnight ago that Robson had signed a new one-year contract which will take him up to the end of the next season, when he is widely expected to stand down, although chairman Freddy Shepherd has admitted he would not be surprised by anything the former England boss does.

Mourinho, along with Birmingham's Steve Bruce and current Magpies skipper Alan Shearer, have been tipped to take over or even work alongside the elder statesman of British football, and although it is certain wheels are in motion there is a long way to go before one era comes to an end and another begins.

However, while Robson holds Mourinho, who has enhanced his reputation at Porto this season after landing a treble at the end of the last campaign, in high regard, his employers have dismissed claims that the pair will work together at St James.

The pair first worked together when Robson took over at Sporting Lisbon, and their relationship continued at both Porto and Barcelona.

"He learned and listened and watched carefully, and he's turned out to be a good coach," Robson said of his protege as he prepared for his Champions League showdown with Manchester United. "He's the principal coach now in Porto and he's done very well.

"In fact, he had a sensational year last year. He won three titles and he won the UEFA Cup, so that was a remarkable record.

"He's a good boy. I like him very much. He worked under me for six years and I taught him everything, and he learned and listened.

"He's an educated boy - he's not stupid - and he took it all in. He's doing fine."