Feyenoord boss Jaap Stam has claimed he turned down the chance to become Newcastle’s new manager in the summer.
The former Manchester United defender succeeded Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager of the Dutch giants this summer but just days after he signed a contract at De Kuip, Newcastle are said to have made their approach.
Stam claims the Magpies spoke to him but it was too late for him to make the move to England after already committing to Feyenoord.
He told Voetbal International: “You have been informed, because it is correct. Newcastle United applied a few days after I signed my signature at Feyenoord. So it was not an option right away.
"I am a man of my word. It was beautiful and honourable, because the people in England apparently know what I stand for as a trainer.”
Stam, of course, guided Reading to the Championship play-off final in 2017 as the Royals pushed Newcastle in the race for promotion.
However, his second season was not as successful and he was sacked in March 2018 following a run of just one win in 18 games.
The former Dutch international defender then spent the best part of a year out of the game before taking the reins at PEC Zwolle on a short-term basis last season.
The former Lazio and AC Milan star has struggled to make a meaningful impact so far, with Feyenoord sitting in a disappointing 10th place in the Eredivisie table.
* Newcastle United have since refuted claims they spoke to Stam - nor did they have any interest in him.
