Houllier and Eriksson in contention for Newcastle job

GERARD HOULLIER and Sven-Goran Eriksson yesterday emerged as potential candidates for the vacant job at Newcastle even though the Magpies have set their sights on Sam Allardyce.

The Lyon boss and the former England manager, both 59, have been heavily linked with the post vacated by Glenn Roeder on Sunday evening despite the fact that Allardyce is an overwhelming favourite to be appointed at the second time of asking.

No talks have taken place between the Tyneside club and either the Frenchman or the Swede and their representatives. However, it is understood the Houllier camp have made their interest known, while Eriksson’s agent Athole Still has admitted his client would talk to the Magpies should they consider him an option.