John Carver will remain in charge of Newcastle United for their clash with Chelsea.

The 49-year-old Geordie is also expected to remain in temporary control of team affairs for the visit of Southampton on January 17, says the Daily Star.

Sources close to the club insist billionaire owner Mike Ashley has yet to finalise a short-list to succeed Pardew, who ended a four-year reign by taking over at Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

Ashley is in no hurry to make a permanent appointment and could leave Carver in charge until the end of the season, despite a fan backlash after Toon's FA Cup surrender against Leicester.