Deschamps favourite for Newcastle

Didier Deschamps is favourite to be named the new Newcastle manager after admitting he would enjoy the 'exciting challenge' at St James' Park.

The Frenchman has raced ahead of the likes of Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Mark Hughes in the running to fill the vacant Newcastle hot seat following the departure of Sam Allardyce.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort saw their former first choice candidate and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp turn down the role on Saturday and the duo were believed to be holding discussions with Gerard Houllier.

But Deschamps - who steered Monaco to the 2004 UEFA Champions League final and has also had a spell in charge of Juventus - is now strongly fancied to take up the reins at St James' Park.

And Deschamps, who captained France to glory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, admits he would be interested in the role if he was approached.

"I have had no official approach from Newcastle but I am flattered to be linked with such speculation," Deschamps told the Daily Telegraph.  "It would be an exciting challenge. Newcastle are a big club."

Deschamps enjoyed one season in the Premier League with Chelsea as a player and it is reported that the 39-year-old would be interested in appointing his former Stamford Bridge team-mate Gianfranco Zola as his assistant if offered the role on Tyneside.

Deschamps is also in the running to succeed Steve Staunton as Republic of Ireland manager.  He was odds on favourite during the week after a surge of market activity but can now be backed at 11-2.