[kennethlindheim]

Sam Allardyce expects a decision on whether he will be the new Newcastle manager to be made in the 'next couple of days'.

The former Bolton chief has held talks with Freddy Shepherd and is believed to be Magpies chairman's number one candidate.

Talks are expected to continue on Monday and Tuesday and Allardyce has admitted the next couple of days will decide whether he makes the move to St James' Park.

"Obviously there is an interest in Newcastle, where we have had a discussion, and we will see where it goes from there," Allardyce told Sky Sports News.

"It is a lot quicker than I thought and whatever happens in the next couple of days will be vital in terms of what announcement might be made."

Should he be handed the reins at St James' Park, one of Allardyce's first tasks could be to clarify the future of striker Obafemi Martins.

Reports on Monday have claimed the striker declared himself unfit to face Watford and did not return to Tyneside with the squad following the 1-1 draw.

Newcastle have made no official comment on the Nigerian's absence, but it is being claimed the incident has caused some concern on Tyneside.

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