Newcastle United chiefs have a six-man shortlist as they seek a replacement for former manager Kevin Keegan.

Blackburn's Paul Ince, Gus Poyet, Didier Deschamps and Brazilian legend Zico have emerged as front-runners with Real Zaragoza coach Marcelino ruling himself out of the race, saying he's staying in Spain.

But with owner Mike Ashley telling Director of Football Dennis Wise and his management team there is in no rush to appoint a new manager, there is unlikely to be a new man in the hotseat until the game at Everton early next month.

Wise, managing director Derek Llambias and director Tony Jimenez are the men charged with the task of bringing in a coach prepared to work to the continental system which led to Keegan being forced out.

And while they are understood to have already sounded out several candidates, the Daily Star says there are at least six coaches under consideration.