Does The Guardian Know Something We Don't?

Newcastle United are closing in on Martin O'Neill and plan to speak to the Irishman this week, if possible, to see if he is receptive to taking over as manager. Newcastle have had no formal contact with O'Neill but the club have been reassured by their initial soundings. The speed and timing of Newcastle's pursuit are likely to force the Football Association to rethink its short list to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson, which features O'Neill prominently.

Newcastle hope to conduct full negotiations with O'Neill, though the club are making no comment until there is news on the health of his wife Geraldine. That is expected soon and, if positive, then as a free agent O'Neill would be available to talk to anyone interested in his services. He is understood to be willing to speak to Newcastle.

But there is no guarantee that O'Neill would prefer England over Newcastle. Indeed the opposite may be a more accurate assessment of where the 53-year-old stands on the club-country issue. He has previously turned down the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, though England holds more appeal in terms of personnel.

Should personal circumstances allow, and he is persuaded by Newcastle's offer, O'Neill could be in charge at St James' by Saturday week's home game against Everton in the Premiership.

United's caretaker manager Glenn Roeder reiterated after Newcastle's 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday that he knows he is in position only until this weekend's FA Cup tie with Southampton. The Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has said he would like the club's new manager "sooner rather than later" though he has also expressed his satisfaction with Roeder.