El Tel turns down Toon job

The Magpies' hierarchy had hoped to persuade the 65-year-old former England boss to bring his vast experience to bear at a club sinking rapidly into the mire following Kevin Keegan's resignation.

However, after two days of talks, Venables, who performed a similar role alongside Bryan Robson at neighbouring Middlesbrough during the 2000-01 season, and the club could not agree terms.

It is understood the Londoner rejected the offer of a game-to-game deal, but was prepared to discuss a longer-term involvement.

But when it emerged this evening that no agreement had been reached, Newcastle had little choice but to look elsewhere.

Venables is one of a series of candidates to have been linked with the role - Glenn Hoddle, David O'Leary, Kenny Dalglish and Alan Curbishley are among the others - and it is believed that there is at least one alternative.

Thursday's development should perhaps not come as too much of a surprise.

Venables took some persuading to join Robson at Boro and later twice turned down the chance to become manager in his own right at the Riverside Stadium, citing his business interests as one of the main reasons.

But it has left Newcastle owner Mike Ashley with a major headache as he attempts to find support for caretaker boss Chris Hughton with his efforts to sell the club after just 16 months ongoing.

Paul Ince - whose Blackburn side provide the opposition in the Barclays Premier League this Saturday - Gus Poyet and Didier Deschamps have been considered, but the continuing uncertainty over the club's ownership is proving a major obstacle.