Latest news from ESPNsoccernet
Gerard Houllier has been given the green light by his current
employers to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle United
manager.
The former Liverpool boss, who is currently the French Football
Federation's technical director, has emerged as one of the
frontrunners for the vacancy at St James' Park in recent
days.
FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalette told the Daily Express: 'I
would not stand in Gerard's way if there was something else he
wanted to do. I am not surprised he gets offers.
'He turned one or two down to rejoin us and they were better
financially than we could offer him.'
Sources on Tyneside have suggested the Houllier's name is on a
short-list of candidates to replace Sam Allardyce, and that he
could form a partnership with Geordie hero Alan Shearer.
Houllier would certainly fit the profile drawn up by the club in
the immediate aftermath of Allardyce's departure last Wednesday
evening with his immense experience and proven track record.
However, the city's evening newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, is
reporting that he and 37-year-old Shearer, who has never been too
far away from the top of the betting in the last week, would be
happy to work together.
The former Magpies and England skipper has found himself touted
both as the man to take over in his own right, or in partnership
with Kevin Keegan, with both options receiving popular
support.
But whether Shearer and Keegan, the man who paid Blackburn
£15million for his services back in 1996, would be willing to work
together seems uncertain.
But the Houllier-Shearer option is one which was received warmly on
Tyneside as the news emerged with the prospect of a combination of
a high-class manager and a man long touted as a future saviour
meeting approval.
Shearer was diplomatic as he arrived back on Tyneside from his
holiday in Barbados on Tuesday morning.
Asked if he wanted the Newcastle job, he replied: 'Am I wanting it?
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.'
Shearer was not the only significant figure in the Newcastle saga
arriving back in the country today with owner Mike Ashley due back
from a trip to Hong Kong.
However, in his absence, chairman Chris Mort has continued to work
behind the scenes in the wake of Harry Redknapp's withdrawal from
the race to succeed Allardyce.
Club insiders insist several candidates are under consideration -
Blackburn's Mark Hughes continues to be mentioned - but with a
must-win Premier League clash with Bolton to follow Wednesday
night's FA Cup third round replay against Stoke, time is of the
essence.