Steve McClaren set to be removed from Derby role in next few days

Steve McClaren: His reign at Derby could be close to an end

Steve McClaren is set to leave his post as Derby manager over the next few days, Sky sources understand.

McClaren and his agent met with the club's chief executive Sam Rush and director Mel Morris on Thursday night and the former England manager was asked to resign, but he refused insisting he has not done anything worthy of resignation.

Derby are unhappy with McClaren's refusal to publicly rule himself out of taking over at Newcastle after the Premier League club made an approach for him in January and again last month.

However, Sky sources understand McClaren is bemused by that accusation having publicly committed his future to Derby in recent weeks.

It is understood Morris, a Derby businessman, will soon hold a majority share in the Rams and become club chairman.

Morris blames McClaren and the Newcastle speculation for Derby's poor finish to the season, which saw them go from top of the Sky Bet Championship in March, to missing out on the play-offs altogether when they were beaten 3-0 at home by Reading on the final day of the season.

But Sky sources understand McClaren is disappointed that Newcastle's approach has been cited as a reason for their slump in form when he felt there were mitigating circumstances including a long and lengthy injury list.

Further discussions between Derby and McClaren's representatives will take place over the next few days, to try to agree a departure deal. McClaren still has two years left on his contract.