Newcastle United could name a new manager inside the next fortnight.

The Evening Chronicle says their new head coach may be in place by the end of next week with the Magpies having whittled down a long list of candidates over the course of a week spent re-assessing their options.

Although a decision is not imminent - and definitely won't be announced over the weekend - United have whittled down a new long list of candidates to just three or four names, and it is now understood that John Carver is likely to revert to his coaching role as a new name takes over.

The former head coach is now on holiday and will speak to managing director Lee Charnley again when he returns but he is not understood to be a strong contender for the role.