John Carver is being linked with a return to Newcastle United.

Carver resigned as head coach of MLS club Toronto FC this week and is now being linked with a role on Alan Shearer's backroom staff.

And although Toronto general manager Mo Johnston has played down talk that Carver has a position lined up at St James's Park, he said he'd love to see his close friend return to the Toon backroom after stints under Sir Bobby Robson and Ruud Gullit.

Former Rangers star Johnston told the Evening Chronicle: "I would love to see him back there. He's my friend and I know he loves the club.

"It's the club he grew up with and a club he has already been a coach at. If Alan Shearer has it in his make-up to bring John in, I know John would give it 100%.

"I want to quash another rumour which suggests Paul Winsper (the former Toon fitness coach) is leaving Toronto. That couldn't be further from the truth."