Venables in talks for vacant Magpies post

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd will attempt to end his search for a new manager early this week.

Shepherd has spent the last seven days assessing his options after dismissing Bobby Robson last Monday, and with United’s home clash with Blackburn looming on Saturday, he will make an early appointment to give the new man as much time as possible to prepare his side for a vital game.

It was no surprise when former England boss Terry Venables revealed yesterday he has held preliminary talks with the club after it emerged last week he was a contender for the job.