Newcastle United have suspended new contract talks with manager Chris Hughton until January.
The News of the World says Hughton will have less than six months left on his St James' Park deal when discussions re-open.
Negotiations took place at the end of last month. But they have been put on the back burner for at least another four months.
And the timescale could present problems for a manager who remains one of the least well-paid in the Premier League.