NEWCASTLE UNITED'S search to find Sir Bobby Robson's successor looks as confused as ever despite Terry Venables' claims he has held promising negotiations with the club.

Venables was one of three to have been interviewed by chairman Freddy Shepherd at the end of last week - with German Ottmar Hitzfeld and Glenn Hoddle rewarded for making their interest known early.

Former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan is another believed to have spoken to Shepherd about taking on the role and he has been installed as fourth favourite by bookmakers Reuben Page at 6/1.

Shepherd hopes to have the new man in charge before Saturday's Premiership home match with Blackburn but a lot of work still needs to be done if that is to be the case.

The Newcastle chairman, who also received applications for the job from ex-Inter Milan boss Hector Cuper and the coach of Portugal during Euro 2004 'Big Phil' Scolari, has been exploring those out of work first. But, ideally, Shepherd's first choice would be to agree a low settlement figure with Birmingham City for Geordie manager Steve Bruce, who signed a five-year deal at St Andrew's not long ago.

With that in mind, and Bruce seemingly unwilling to walk away from the Blues by resigning, the Newcastle board are having to consider all possibilities.

That is why Venables, whose last managerial post was at Leeds United, has been able to push his claim to become the latest incumbent of the St James' Park hot-seat.

Many Magpies supporters have already made their objections to appointing the former England manager known, even though he has strong links with club skipper Alan Shearer. But that has not detracted from Venables voicing his optimism about taking over on Tyneside - although Shepherd is sure to have been disappointed by the cheeky cockney's decision to go public about preliminary discussions.

"I feel very happy with the way things went. We had a meeting, a good chat and our conversations will be on-going," Venables said. "I have an open mind about the situation now. Sir Bobby Robson would be a difficult act to follow - but to manage Newcastle is a great opportunity and I am very pleased to be considered.

"Freddy is a down-to-earth, normal guy and we got on well. There are a few problems that need to be solved but providing I can sort those out I feel very excited about the future."

And Venables, who guided England to the semi-finals of Euro' 96, attempted to swing the club's fans on his side by suggesting Newcastle have a larger pull than Manchester United.

"I don't think there is a club in this country bigger than Newcastle United. People say Manchester United but I think Newcastle could be up there with them - all they have been missing is the success," said Venables. "It is a shame because the fans deserve the very best and I know how hard Bobby and other managers have worked trying to give it to them. That is why I need time to make this decision. I want to be able to make it happen because I know how important it is to everybody at the club. It is not something I can rush into."

Despite Venables' determination to take the reins, Shepherd is keeping an open mind about the situation and is even considering a change of tack.

Initially he insisted a foreign coach would not be considered, however, after a meeting with Hitzfeld he could be about to have a change of thought.

The arrival of the ex-Bayern Munich boss, who helped Bayern and Borussia Dortmund to Champions League glory in 2001 and 1997 respectively, would be welcomed by fans on Tyneside who are well aware that he has a reputation as being one of the finest in football today.

Hitzfeld turned down the opportunity to become coach of the German national team, after Rudi Voller's resignation after the European Championships, and he is keen to try his luck in the Premiership.

Aston Villa's David O'Leary is still being mentioned in some circles, while Blackburn's Graeme Souness has suddenly emerged as one of the front-runners.

Souness, due to take his Rovers side to St James' on Saturday, is quoted at 8/1 and is fifth favourite behind Venables (13/8), O'Leary (3/1), Bruce (4/1) and Strachan (6/1). Hoddle, despite being one of those to have talked with Shepherd, remains an outsider at 25/1.

l Young Frenchman Charles N'Zogbia has been granted permission from FIFA to complete a move to Newcastle.

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