Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd and his Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright have moved to end speculation linking David Moyes with the vacant managers job at St James's Park.

Moyes, who signed a new Everton contract last year which will keep him on Merseyside until 2010, is the latest big name to be touted as Graeme Souness' replacement.

The Scot himself refused to comment on the speculation.

"Both football clubs were amazed to see huge speculation this morning regarding the possibility of David Moyes leaving Everton and joining Newcastle United," a statement released by the two clubs read.

Shepherd, who is reported to have courted Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce, said: "Bill Kenwright is one of my closest friends in football and I have phoned him this morning to say Newcastle have not approached David Moyes, will not approach David Moyes, and wish him and Everton only the best of success."

Kenwright added: "I know David Moyes. I know Freddy Shepherd. The story is fabrication and total nonsense. It should be discounted immediately." PA