SAM Allardyce is again being linked with a move to Newcastle United, where speculation is mounting over the future of manager Graeme Souness.

Growing unease on Tyneside over the Magpies' failure to make an impact in the Premiership, despite a £50 million investment in new players, has prompted reports that Souness could be on his way out this week.

And that has led to one tabloid newspaper to claim that Allardyce could be the man chairman, Freddy Shepherd, wants to turn things round at St James' Park.

Allardyce, who is in his seventh year at the Reebok, turned down a chance to manage Newcastle 16 months ago, when Sir Bobby Robson was sacked. But there is a growing belief that his frustrations at still having to operate on a tight financial budget, despite taking Wanderers to unprecedented success, would make him more inclined now to say "Yes" if Shepherd came calling again.