McClaren plays down QPR talk

Steve McClaren has refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with the vacant managerial post at QPR.

Harry Redknapp handed in his notice at Loftus Road this week and the Derby boss is reported to be on a shortlist of potential replacements, along with RealMadrid assistant coach Paul Clement and former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood.

When asked about the speculation on Thursday, a smiling McClaren said: "Shall we move on? Good try! I answered that speculation a few weeks ago, and it is the same answer now. Nothing changes. We laugh it off and move on quick.

"So let's focus and concentrate on the job in hand which is trying to get Derby County into the Premier League."

Derby - who lost to QPR in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final last season - are currently in the second automatic promotion place, level on points with leaders Bournemouth.

Clement has also appeared to rule himself out of the running, seemingly leaving the path clear for the current bookmakers' favourite, Sherwood.

The 43-year-old, whose father Dave played over 500 games for QPR, told The Guardian: "I am very flattered to be linked with QPR, a club I supported as a young boy and for whom my dad played.

"It would be a real honour to manage that club at some point in the future, but, at this time, I have got no intention of leaving Real Madrid in mid-season."