Jimenez leaves Magpies

Newcastle United have announced that Tony Jimenez has left the club.

The man appointed vice-president (player recruitment) by owner Mike Ashley when he installed his off-the-field team under executive director (football) Dennis Wise, has left St James' Park to "pursue other interests".

A club statement read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Tony Jimenez has left the club."

The statement continued: "Tony, who was appointed vice-president (player recruitment) in January, has made the decision in order to pursue other interests.

"Newcastle United thanks Tony for all of his hard work and efforts and wishes him every success in the future."

Meanwhile Gerry Francis has revealed he has received an offer to become a coach with the Magpies from interim manager Joe Kinnear.

And while the former Tottenham boss would be honoured to have a role at the club, he insists a deal to join Kinnear's backroom staff is still a long way off.

"I have spoken to Joe Kinnear and I have been made an offer," Francis told Sky Sports News.

"In the next few days we'll meet and discuss that offer. Newcastle is a tremendous football club and it would be an honour to coach there so it's nice to be asked to do that.

"I've not had much chance to talk to him (Kinnear). It's a very unusual situation there, that's why we'll be meeting."