De Jong denies Magpies link
16 Jul 2008 - 14:20:01
Netherlands midfielder Nigel De Jong has denied reports which suggested he was close to sealing a move to Newcastle United.
De Jong, 23, was one of the stars of Holland's Euro 2008 squad, but insists he is happy to remain in the Bundesliga with Hamburg despite reports of an £8million switch to the Premier League.
"I am in HSV now and I am concentrating on the new season," he revealed.
"Everything else, whether there are other offers, does not interest me.
"Sure, if you have a good European Championship then it's easy to get one or the other offer but, for me, this is not so important."
Meanwhile, the Magpies have confirmed the return of former defender Robbie Elliott as their new strength and conditioning coach.
The 34-year-old confirmed his retirement after ending the last season with Hartlepool United and will work under senior fitness coach Mark Hulse in his new role.
Elliott made almost 200 first-team appearances during two spells at St James' Park and was a member of Kevin Keegan's squad during his first period as manager.
"It was always the line I wanted to go in," he told the club's official website.
"It's great to link up with Kevin and (assistants) Terry McDermott and Arthur Cox again.
"The Keegan era was the highlight of my career and if the club can get anywhere near that again, it would be great."