Jewell's side are eighth in the Premiership

Jewell has seen his reputation soar after guiding Wigan to the top half of the Premiership and he has been tipped to be offered the Magpies job.

"I'm surprised, but I've a job to do at Wigan. I enjoy my job here," he said.

"There are all sorts of rumours flying around linking different people, but I tend to take no notice of rumours because that's all they are."

The Magpies are managerless following the sacking of Graeme Souness, but caretaker Glenn Roeder has won three and drawn of the four matches since taking over.

If you said I could achieve what Alex Ferguson has achieved, that would be fantastic Paul Jewell

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is thought to be in no hurry to appoint Souness' successor.

But there have been reports he had talks with Wigan supremo Dave Whelan while playing golf in Barbados this week.

Jewell added: "I spoke to my chairman two days ago, and he is in Barbados, but he never mentioned playing golf with anyone from Newcastle.

"I have said I would like to be the manager of a team that is challenging for the top honours.

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"Yet here I am at Wigan playing for one of the big three trophies in English football.

"Of course, you want to achieve what you can in football and if you said I could achieve what Alex Ferguson has achieved, that would be fantastic."

Jewell's side face Manchester United in Sunday's Carling Cup final and are eighth in the Premiership in their first season in the top flight.