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Laudrup rules out Everton, Lennon plays down reports

Michael Laudrup is believed to be happy at Swansea © PA Photos

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Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has ruled himself out of the running to take over at Everton, according to his agent.

Laudrup this week emerged as an early contender to replace David Moyes, who will leave Goodison Park at the end of the season to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

However, the former Denmark international's representative, Bayram Tutumlu, insists that the 48-year-old will be staying at the Liberty Stadium.

Tutumlu told the South Wales Echo: "Michael is very happy at Swansea. We do not think about any other possibilities. He will not be changing clubs. He likes Swansea and is very settled.

"People always talk about Michael becoming a coach of other clubs because he has done very well. But he is the manager of Swansea and that will not change.

"The Swansea fans do not need to worry. He will be there next season."

Swans boss Laudrup, who took charge at the Liberty Stadium last June, has made a good impression in his first season, winning the Capital One Cup and lifting the club to ninth place in the Premier League with two matches to go.

Reports in South Wales suggest that Laudrup has a £10 million release clause in his contract, which would be a stumbling block to any club wishing to tempt him away from Swansea, where he is under contract until 2015.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez and Celtic's Neil Lennon have also been linked with the job at Goodison Park, although it is understood that Everton have not yet compiled a definitive shortlist.

Lennon has played down reports linking him with becoming the next Everton manager.

However, the former Northern Ireland international insists he is ignoring the speculation and is already focusing on next season at Parkhead.

"Everton are a huge club with a huge history," Lennon told Sky Sports. "It's flattering to be linked but that's all it is, a link. All of it is speculation.

"I have a job here, I have a great job, a great set of players, a great support, so I am pretty happy here. I have a rolling contract. We're already looking at Champions League preparation and bringing in new players.

"It's not up to me if I'm ready for England, it's for other people to decide."

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