Fabricio Coloccini has dismissed reports that he fought with Tim Krul on Newcastle United's team bus following their defeat to Leicester City last weekend.

There was speculation that the players clashed after the 3-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium, including the goalkeeper and captain, who was reportedly called to apologise in order to retain the skipper's armband for this afternoon's clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The defender wrote in the team's match programme: "The dressing room after the game was angry at the result and the performance. However, I have read things this week that said there was fighting between the players in the dressing room and on the bus. That is not true at all.

"Everything that was said was positive and constructive as everyone is trying their best to push the team back up the league."

Newcastle have lost their last eight matches in the Premier League.