The 32-year-old Irishman insists he is happy at St James' Park 10 years after his arrival and is focussing only on the club's drive to establish themselves back among the Premier League's elite.

The Republic of Ireland international said: "I don't know where the story came from.

"I have said all along that I'm extremely happy living and playing here in Newcastle. I want to help to move this club forward.

"Hopefully we will get new players in and strengthen the squad. We want to get this place going."