He only took up the job at Ewood Park in June after the departure of Mark Hughes, but he has emerged as one of the front-runners to succeed Kevin Keegan at St James' Park.
The former MK Dons boss is a mate of Dennis Wise, who has been handed the job of picking the new boss, and Wise gave him a coaching job during his days as Swindon manager.
Ince: "It is flattering to be linked to any club but it is speculation and I do not comment on speculation."