David O'Leary and Alan Curbishley are being linked with a short-term role at St James's.

Either the former West Ham boss or ex-Aston Villa manager O'Leary would come in alongside Chris Hughton to add some experience to the Magpies bench while the search for a new manager goes on.

The hunt for Kevin Keegan's successor is being hampered by Mike Ashley's attempts to sell the club.