Ince has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park this window.
Derby County manager Steve McClaren has told reporters, as quoted by BBC Sport, that talk of Tom Ince leaving the club to join Newcastle is pure speculation.
Ince has been a big hit since joining the Rams in February 2015, initially on loan from Hull City.
The 24-year-old has scored 32 goals in 94 games in his two years at the iPro Stadium, and has netted eight times in his last 12 games in all competitions.
His excellent form, which has also seen him pick up three assists, has led to speculation linking him with a move away from the Championship club this month.
The Sun claimed earlier in January that he was a primary target for Newcastle United as they look to strengthen their bid to win the Championship, with the Magpies allegedly preparing an £8 million bid.
However, McClaren has ridiculed that suggestion, insisting that not only is Ince definitely staying in the East Midlands, but that the reported £8 million offer would only be enough to buy the winger’s right – and weaker – foot.
McClaren said, via BBC Sport: “It’s newspapers stirring. He is staying, definitely. Rumours are what sells. Fortunately we are are in a good position where Tom is staying here.
“I heard that – £8m. That would probably pay for his right foot. It’s normal; we have to deal with it and cope with it. We will be creating plenty of speculation ourselves.
“It’s part of the game. It’s football, the window is open. Newspapers need to sell themselves.”
McClaren is clearly not taking talk of a potential exit for Ince seriously, something which will likely go some way to easing the concerns of Rams fans.
Ince is Derby’s top scorer this term, with his nine goals almost double the tally of their second most prolific player, Darren Bent.
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