Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday shrugged off the possibility of becoming chief Cabinet secretary later this month.

Speaking at a news conference, Noda said he and Prime Minister Naoto Kan "did not discuss such matters," and he was "not sounded out" about taking the post, at a time when there is speculation he may be tapped to succeed Yoshito Sengoku in a Cabinet reshuffle expected later this month.

Kan and Noda held talks Sunday at the prime minister's office. But Noda said the two only discussed the fiscal 2011 budget plan and social security reforms during the 45-minute meeting.