GERRARD STILL IN FRAME BUT NEWCASTLE MEET FONSECA

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with Paulo Fonseca about becoming their new head coach.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma boss has been in contact with the club’s new owners since earlier this summer, though it is understood no final decision has been made regarding the preferred candidate.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is among those still under consideration by Newcastle's new owners to replace Steve Bruce, whose tenure at St James’ Park came to an end on Wednesday morning.

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and exchelsea head coach Frank Lampard are also in the frame, along with Belgium national team manager Roberto Martinez and exborussia Dortmund leader Lucien Favre.

It is believed that the new owners met with Fonseca remotely yesterday but are keen to speak to other candidates before coming to a final decision.

Fonseca, inset, has been instilled as the odds-on favourite at the bookies, while Rangers boss Gerrard has drifted out to as much as 20/1 with some oddsmakers.

Speaking about the Newcastle job before Bruce’s departure, Gerrard was quoted as saying: “I don’t really react or get involved with any kind of speculation. Especially when there’s someone who I have the utmost respect for sitting in that job, that the speculation is about.

“For me, I’m in a very big job and a very big role here, that I’m very much fully focused on. I wish Steve Bruce all the best.”

Bruce's former assistant Graeme Jones will be in charge for tomorrow's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.