Newcastle United are not believed to be considering Tony Pulis, Steve Bruce or Tim Sherwood to fill the vacancy poised to be created by Alan Pardew.
Magpies owner Mike Ashley has apparently begun his search for a new manager as he prepares for Alan Pardew to quit for Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
Some reports have claimed that former Palace and Stoke City boss Pulis had turned down discussions with Newcastle over concerns surrounding Ashley's involvement.
However, Sky Sports News has claimed that the Welshman, who is understood to be a target of managerless West Bromwich Albion, has never been in the frame for the job at St James' Park.
Hull City's Newcastle-born boss Bruce and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and head coach Sherwood, another who is on Albion's shortlist, are not thought to be in the running either.
Derby County manager Steve McClaren and Magpies captain Fabricio Coloccini were thought to be contenders, but have ruled themselves out.
Joe Fish
