NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney says he knows nothing about rumours linking him to the Dundee United job, insisting he is concentrating on rebuilding his Exiles squad.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Feeney has emerged as a contender to replace Mixu Paatelainen, who was sacked by the Tangerines this week following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Feeney knows United well having spent the 2008-2009 season on loan at Tannadice from Cardiff City.

But leading bookmakers are not currently offering odds on the Exiles boss returning to Scotland and when asked about the link after yesterday's 1-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon he said: “I don’t know [about] that.

“I just came here to concentrate on the game today and keeping us in the league.”

Feeney added: “I’m enjoying my time here. It’s been difficult but I learned a lot at my previous club Linfield.

“It was very demanding but here is great for me as well.

“I don’t shy away from anything in coming in and trying to keep a team in the League.

“I’ve done that and it sets us up with a good backbone for next year.”

Former County manager Terry Butcher is quoted as 33/1 to take over at Dundee United but the clear favourite is Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon.

United last night asked Raith for permission to speak to McKinnon but the Fife club have rejected the approach.

They made the move after Raith were knocked out of the Premiership play-offs by Hibs.

Dundee United released a short statement on Saturday night, which said: “Dundee United have made an official approach to Raith Rovers to seek permission to speak to their manager Ray McKinnon about the vacant managerial position at Tannadice Park.”

The Kirkcaldy club quickly announced they had rebuffed the approach from United, who will be their Championship rivals next season.

A Rovers statement read: “Dundee United FC has this evening published a statement on its website to the effect that an official approach has been made for permission to speak to Ray McKinnon about a position at Tannadice. Permission has not been granted.”

Speaking after the Hibs game, McKinnon said: “As it stands I am the Raith Rovers manager. I have another year at Raith.

“Nothing has changed. I can’t foresee the future, I would rather speak about how good my players were today.”

McKinnon has previously said he would stay with Raith if they won promotion to the Premiership.