Asked yesterday if he had approached Parramatta or been approached by them, Hagan replied: "No to both questions."
But when asked whether he was aware of interest in him from the Eels, he said: "I would say you would have to determine that from your end. I don't think anything like that has reached any [significant] stage."
It is possible that an intermediary could be involved in any approach.
However, he did say he would like to continue as Newcastle coach beyond next season. "It would be my preference to stay here," he said. "I'm talking to Newcastle on Wednesday and I hope to find out then what the club's plans are beyond next season. I'm pretty settled up here with my family, but I've got to find out what the club wants to do."
The Newcastle board met last night to consider a proposal from the wealthy Wests Leagues Club in Newcastle to get involved in the management of the NRL club and back the Knights financially. Hagan's future was expected to be discussed at that meeting as well.
Newcastle's financial problems have been well documented and it is understood Hagan is among the lowest-paid coaches in the competition. Smith, on the other hand, is among the highest-paid, earning at least $400,000 per season.
Tyler said yesterday he didn't see his club's coaching position beyond 2006 as being an "urgent matter of business" at this stage. But he added that since Hagan had asked to discuss the future with the club, that meeting would go ahead.
Conway said yesterday he had asked Hagan about the Parramatta speculation. "I asked Michael if he had signed a contract with Parramatta for 2007 and he said he hadn't and I take him at his word," Conway said. "It isn't unusual that rumours fly about in the league world. The chairman and myself will meet Michael this week and discuss the direction of the football club."
Newcastle paid the price for a massive injury toll last season when, despite a strong finish after getting injured players back, they ran last. Hagan coached Queensland to defeat in the past two State of Origin series and subsequently quit that job.
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