Sam Allardyce claims he's turned down the chance to become Newcastle manager again. 

The former England boss, who was in charge of the Magpies for just 24 games between 2007 and 2008, was approached about succeeding Rafa Benitez.

"I was very flattered that I was considered but it's that thing... 'don't go back.'", Allardyce told talkSPORT.

"It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting but it wasn't for me. I politely said 'no'.

"I never got to talk to Mike. My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much.

"it's not for me. Maybe if it was the first time around I would have jumped at it. I appreciate the offer but I was surprised, I've not worked for a full season."

Allardyce continued: "'It wasn't something I thought about for too long.

"I thought it'd be better to make a quick decision for everyone. We're in pre-season now and they're back in training."

The 64-year-old was sacked by Newcastle during his first spell in charge and says he was frustrated by the club's transfer policy.

“It wasn’t pleasant in the end but it was in the middle of the takeover.

“I had a fabulous start but we were desperate for better players. I was trying to forge forward and they wanted to go in another direction and I have no problems with that. It was handled brilliantly by Mike and his staff at the time.

“The fans are a bit more tolerant now. They were very good with Rafa because there’s not as much money as other clubs have got and were a bit more patient.

“The transfer market is the hardest part of the job at the moment and getting the right players to go to Newcastle, listening to what Rafa said before, has been a tough job.”

Former Sunderland and current Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce is now the favourite to take over at Newcastle.