Rams 'are forcing McClaren out'

Press Association Sport understands the former England boss was asked to resign when he met chief executive Sam Rush and incoming chairman Mel Morris on Thursday amid suggestions the Magpies' approach to him in January had adversely affected the Rams, who went on to miss out on promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

However, it is understood McClaren, who as it stands, remains at the helm at the iPro Stadium, refused to quit and told the club they would have to sack him if they wanted him out.

Sources close to the 54-year-old have revealed he is aggrieved at the suggestion that the approach from Newcastle - which was made to his agent and swiftly rejected as he committed himself to Derby's bid to reach the top flight after missing out in last season's play-off final - was a contributory factor in the club's slump as the campaign drew to a close.

The Rams won only two of their last 13 league games as injuries took their toll and slipped from the thick of the race for automatic promotion to eventually finish eighth, a point shy of a play-off place.

Reports started to circulate on Thursday evening that McClaren had been sacked, sparking speculation over possible successors with Real Madrid number two Paul Clement and Burnley's Sean Dyche mentioned in despatches.

Newcastle turned to McClaren, who has moved his family to the East Midlands, in January after Alan Pardew's surprise departure for Crystal Palace, but he opted to stay where he was to continue with a five-year plan.

The Magpies are understood to have made a second more tentative approach after the end of the Sky Bet Championship season with the club's Premier League status in real jeopardy following a run of eight successive defeats, but the answer was much the same.

Whether or not his stance means the question will not be asked for a third time remains to be seen, but there has been no further contact with the hierarchy at St James' Park in recent days.

McClaren's future is likely to be decided over the weekend, although with both sides seemingly entrenched, there is work to be done to find a solution.