Currently working as technical director for France Football Federation, Houllier has re-affirmed his commitment to the organisation via a phone-call to his boss FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes."Gerard's word is enough for me. He works for us”, revealed Escalettes.
"I talked to Gerard by telephone - he is on business for us in the United States at the moment - and he told me 'every time an English club is in difficulty my name comes up'.
"Gerard had an extraordinary image in England, I'm flattered to hear his name all over the place, I tell myself we made the right choice, everyone wants to have him."
Although Houllier seems to be out of the running, another distinguished Frenchman, Didier Deschamps is the latest to be linked with the post.
Deschamps was a former World-Cup winning captain and Juventus legend as a player, but has enjoyed a mixed bag of success in his managerial career.
He led Monaco in a spirited journey to the Champions League final in 2004, but lost to Jose Mourinho’s Porto.
The man infamously labelled as “the water carrier” by Eric Cantona then returned to Serie A giants Juventus as head-coach but quickly fell-out with the directors and left soon after.
Deschamps ticks many boxes that Magpies Chairman Chris Mort has outlined: He is experienced, ambitious, successful, but has yet to make a prolonged mark on any one club. Plus, he also speaks English, a prerequisite installed by the Newcastle hierarchy.
The former holding midfielder has already been installed as favourite for the post by some bookmakers.
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