Former Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed he's turned down the job.

With the Magpies yet to name a successor for Rafa Benitez, Allardyce, sacked by Mike Ashley in 2008, has gone public with his suggestion he was approached.

He told TalkSPORT: “I was very flattered that I was considered but it's that thing... 'don't go back'.

“It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting but it wasn't for me.

“I politely said 'no'.

“I never got to talk to Mike (Ashley, owner of the club). My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much. It's not for me.

“Maybe if it was the first time around I would have jumped at it.

“I appreciate the offer but I was surprised, I've not worked for a full season.

“It wasn't something I thought about for too long. I thought it'd be better to make a quick decision for everyone. We're in pre-season now and they're back in training."