It's been reported that the 29-year-old Socceroo is about to sign with the Hunter franchise, but Sterjovski's advisor Tony Rallis tells au.fourfourtwo.com that it's simply not true.

"Mile's first preference is to stay at Derby, where the new coach [Nigel Clough] has seen him," he said. "There is also interest from elsewhere in Europe."

Last night, Sterjovski was a 74th minute substitute in Derby's 1-0 loss to Birmingham City.

According to the Newcastle Herald, the Jets are in talks with the player who has spent most of the season on the fringes for the Rams.

It was reported that Newcastle are willing to offer Sterjovski the $350,000 a season which was intended for marquee Joel Griffiths, who appears to be heading to China.

Rallis said he'd had an informal chat with Jets chairman Con Constantine on Australia Day.

"We speak from time to time on a variety of issues, but to say there is a deal pending for Mile, well, it's nowhere near that," he said. "Far from it.

"And I can assure you, he wouldn't be coming home for $350,000."