Newcastle have called a press conference for tomorrow afternoon at which it is thought Sam Allardyce will be unveiled as the club's new manager.

As speculation mounted that Manchester City could prove an alternative destination for the former Bolton boss following Stuart Pearce's departure this afternoon, the Magpies are understood to have made the breakthrough.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd held talks with Allardyce in London on Friday and was in contact with his representatives again today as City launched their own search for a new manager.

Shepherd was hopeful, but not over-confident, of getting his man after the initial round of talks.  And rumours were rife in the north west that City could attempt to hijack the move in the wake of Pearce's sacking.

Allardyce was at Old Trafford today for the launch of the PFA Centenary Cricket XI v Football XI Twenty20 game, and was giving little away when he spoke to Sky Sports.

He said: "Obviously there is an interest in Newcastle, where we have had a discussion, and we will see where it goes from there.

"Of course it has popped up a bit quicker than I thought and whatever happens in the next few days will be vital in terms of what announcement will be made."