Newcastle United did not approach Jaap Stam to become their new manager - contrary to his claims in the Dutch media this morning.
The former Manchester United defender succeeded Giovanni van Bronckhorst as manager of Feyenoord this summer but he told Voetbal International that Newcastle approached him just days later.
He said: “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.”
However, senior club sources have denied the Manchester United legend's claim and it is understood that the club did not speak to Stam over the managerial role - nor did they have any interest in him.
They also did not instruct anybody to speak to Stam on their behalf. After a two-and-a-half week process, Steve Bruce was appointed as Rafa Benitez's successor in July.
Stam, of course, guided Reading to the Championship play-off final in 2017 as the Royals pushed Newcastle in the race for promotion.
He was sacked by Reading in 2018 and Feyenoord currently sit tenth in the Eredivisie table.
