All quiet on the Toon front

With United owner Mike Ashley due back in the country today following a business trip to Hong Kong, the Magpies' search for a successor to Sam Allardyce is expected to gather momentum over the next 24 hours.

However, at the time of going to press, United had still not made an official approach for Hughes and, with the Toon Army appearing to want either Kevin Keegan or Alan Shearer instead, the prospect of one appears to have diminished - at least for the time being.

In a poll, conducted by the Newcastle Chronicle newspaper, more than 40 per cent of the fans who voted said they wanted Kee-gan installed as the club's new manager, no doubt encouraged by his comments during a television interview yesterday.

Hughes, on the other hand, came fourth, behind Shearer (14.9) and an unnamed option (24.5), attracting just 11.7 per cent of the votes cast.

Whether Ashley takes any notice of those views remains to be seen, but the fact the Chronicle also ran a story yesterday suggesting Shearer now wants to be considered for the job has further muddied the waters on Tyneside.

Rovers chairman John Williams insists the club has not received any approach from the Magpies for Hughes, and nor would he welcome one with the club eyeing a push for Europe.

But those in power at Ewood are still anxious, and understandably so, because Hughes continues to be strongly linked with the Newcastle post.

"We have had no contact from Newcastle whatsoever," said the Rovers supremo.

The players are also hoping the speculation surrounding Hughes will go away, especially with Rovers well placed to mount a charge for the top six after Sunday's victory over Bolton lifted them to within three points of Liverpool, who currently fourth place.

Midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen said: "I don't know if he will stay, but I hope so.

"Newcastle are one of the biggest clubs in England.

"He did recently sign a new deal, but in football you never know."