Former BAA chief executive Mike Clasper and Sir James Crosby, former chief executive of HBOS, have dismissed speculation that they are candidates for the much-debated chief executive role at ITV.

In a statement on Friday, Clasper said: "The speculation that I have thrown my hat into the ring for the CEO role is incorrect.

"I believe that I can contribute most effectively to the continuing success of ITV in my current role as a non-executive director."

A report in The Times says that Crosby, also a non-executive director of ITV, was put off by the "hassle" of the role and the risk of ITV becoming the target of a private equity bid.

Roger Parry, the Johnston Press chairman, Sky managing director Dawn Airey, former Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter and UIP chief executive Stewart Till are names that continue to be linked to the role.

ITV's finance director, John Cresswell, is currently acting as interim chief executive. Chairman Sir Peter Burt is believed to wish to stand down once a permanent replacement for Allen is found.

According to the Sunday Times, ITV investors remain concerned that a candidate to replace Charles Allen, who stepped down in August, has not been found and that many suitable candidates have confirmed they do not want the position.