No move to land former target Marc

Sep 7 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

SPANISH coach Marcelino Toral last night publicly ruled himself out of the running to become Kevin Keegan’s successor.

But the Real Zaragoza boss, who was sounded out about the possibility of replacing Keegan earlier this year, has not yet received a new approach from Newcastle.

And sources close to Marcelino suggest he might be open to a change of heart if Newcastle were to come calling again.

“It doesn’t matter what team it is or how much money they have, no club will take me away from Zaragoza because I have made a commitment here,” said Marcelino.

Having only joined newly-relegated Zaragoza on a two-year contract in the summer, the former Racing Santander coach added: “I am going to fulfil this project at all costs.

“The only thing I have in mind is to fulfil the objectives we set ourselves with Real Zaragoza when we made the decision to come here.”

The Sunday Sun revealed Newcastle made contact with Marcelino through intermediaries in March, and sources claimed they did so again following the end of last season.

But his agent, Eugenio Botas, said last night: “I have heard the new rumours in England, but Newcastle have not contacted me.”

Meanwhile, former Zaragoza coach Victor Fernandez is a surprise outside candidate for the United hotseat if Gus Poyet turns the job down.