Sam Allardyce has made no secret of the fact McDonald would be the ideal man to step into the job because of his Newcastle history. But the Carlisle gaffa still refuses to comment on suggestions he has had talks with Sam Allardyce.
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Phil Brown was thought to be in Big Sam's sights but he signed a two-year deal to become permanent manager of Hull.
McDonald, who spent five years working as a coach for Allardyce at Bolton between 2000 and 2005, is refusing to be drawn on whether the pair will link up again at St James' Park.
McDonald: "It is nothing but speculation - and I won't comment on speculation."