Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is wrapping up a deal for former Middlesbrough coach Steve Round.

The Guardian says Round has not yet joined Newcastle but Allardyce confirmed yesterday that they are in talks. Round, it is believed, would keep his coaching role with the Football Association, which is not a full-time post. Nigel Pearson, Glenn Roeder's No2, is expected to stay at St James' Park, meaning there will be two first-team coaches.

With Allardyce also closing in on former key backroom members at Bolton, Mike Forde and Mark Taylor, Newcastle's staff is coming together before their training camp in Austria next week.