Houllier linked with Newcastle

Gerard Houllier has been given the green light to succeed Sam Allardyce as Newcastle manager.

The former Liverpool boss, who is currently the French Football Federation's technical director, has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the vacancy at St James' Park in recent days.

And his current employers have confirmed they will not deny him the opportunity to take the job if offered it.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalette told a British newspaper: "I would not stand in Gerard's way if there was something else he wanted to do. I am not surprised he gets offers. He turned one or two down to rejoin us and they were better financially than we could offer him."

Houllier is also in the running to succeed Steve Staunton as Republic of Ireland manager.