SKY-SPORTS: "Newcastle parted company with Hughton earlier this week and Alan Pardew is in line to replace him at the St James' Park helm.
"However, it is believed that Magpies chiefs were looking at other options before opting for their original choice of Pardew.
"And skysports.com has learnt that one of those is the highly-regarded Tisdale - currently in charge at the other St James's Park.
"It is understood that Newcastle's hierarchy gave Tisdale serious consideration before deciding to go with their initial idea of appointing a manager with Premier League experience."
They don't say where they got the story from, but according to other reports Pardew was always going to be the man.
Ashley met him 12 days ago and offered him the job.