Alan Pardew is emerging as favourite for the Newcastle United job.

The Sun says Pardew or Martin Jol are in the frame to succeed Chris Hughton.

League OneSouthampton sacked Pardew in August and we can reveal he is pals with Magpies managing director Derek Llambias and part of Toon's 'Cockney Mafia' social scene.

Pardew and Llambias were spotted having dinner in London three weeks ago.

Ex-Spurs boss Jol left Dutch giants Ajax by "mutual consent" last night after a disappointing string of results.

He had agreed to join Fulham in the summer as Roy Hodgson's replacement - but reneged to stay in Holland.

Alan Curbishley and Martin O'Neill have also been linked with the job - but Pardew and Jol are way clear in the betting.