Newcastle Job Latest

Deschamps now the name, as Houllier rules himself out

Newcastle's search for a new manager took a surprise turn last night, as Didier Deschamps became the new bookies' favourite to take over at St James' Park. It arose as a result of France Football running a story, saying Deschamps was contacted straight after Newcastle's 6-0 defeat to Manchester United. The magazine has reported Deschamps will meet with Newcastle directors to finalise an agreement, and consequently Deschamps odds dropped to as low as 2-1 from 80-1. Former Chelsea captain Deschamps was manager at Monaco and took them to a Champions League final in 2004 and has also been in charge at Juventus.

Earlier the Tyneside rumour mill was saying that former Liverpool, Lyon and France manager Gérard Houllier had had discussions about taking over at Newcastle, with a partnership with Alan Shearer being mooted. However, Houllier now looks to be ruled out of the race, after FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said Houllier had told him he wouldn't be going to Tyneside.

Shearer was asked about the Newcastle job when he arrived back on Tyneside from his holiday "Am I wanting it?" he replied. "One day, hopefully." Questioned further about the possibility of him linking up with Keegan, he said: "I haven't spoken to Kevin for a long time. We will have to see." (The Guardian)

Football Focus thinks Shearer has no chance of getting it now, as Ashley maybe a football romantic, having bought his own club, but he's also a hard-nosed businessman, who won't be risking it all on someone with no track record. It's Deschamps or Hughes we think.