PREMIER - Jones takes over as interim coach for Newcastle

Newcastle interim manager Graeme Jones said on Friday that he has been asked to take charge of the club's next two Premier League games as the club searches for a permanent replacement for Steve Bruce.

Bruce's time as manager came to an end on Wednesday, less than two weeks after the club was taken over by a Saudi-led consortium.

Former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca has emerged as a front-runner, with former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and former Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre also being considered.

Jones, who joined the St James' Park team in January after a successful stint under Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, will remain focused on the task at hand, which begins on Saturday against Crystal Palace.

"I spoke to the owners on Wednesday morning and they have asked me to take the team on an interim basis for the next two games, so Crystal Palace and Chelsea at home," Jones said on Friday.

"I've said previously, I am fully focused on preparing the team the best we can to be competitive in both games."