Former England manager Terry Venables says he has had talks with Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd over the vacant manager's job at the English Premier League club.

Newcastle sacked Bobby Robson as manager last week after five years in charge, following a winless start to season, and Venables has been linked with the north-east English club, along with Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce.

"We had a meeting, a good chat and our conversations will be on-going," former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur coach Venables was quoted as saying by News of the World on Sunday.

"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.

"I don't think there is a club in this country bigger than Newcastle," added Venables, who has been out of football management since leaving Leeds United in March 2003.

"It is a tremendous opportunity -- I am very excited about it. Freddy is a down-to-earth, normal guy and we got on well."

Venables's possible appointment could be seen as a short-term move, with Newcastle club captain Alan Shearer taking over once he retires at the end of this season and completes his coaching qualifications.

Bruce led Birmingham to 10th place in the Premier League last season, but his loyalty has been questioned after managing five different clubs in just six years.

Former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan and ex-Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, who are both out of work, have also been linked with the Newcastle job.