Sam unfazed by Shearer talk

Under-pressure Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has shrugged off speculation he is set to be replaced by Alan Shearer after a poor run of performances prompted some fans to call for his head.

Allardyce was given a vote of confidence by chairman Chris Mort, who on Monday laughed off rumours owner Mike Ashley was considering sacking the 52-year-old.

Allardyce said: "I do not have any worries or concerns as far as they (Mort and Ashley) are concerned."

He added: "The pressure that has been put on them as well as me, they understand it is outside influences trying to exert pressure on them. It is all part of the game."

Asked if he felt St James' Park hero Shearer was casting a shadow over him, he said: "It has always been there and it always will be. There is nothing more to say on the subject."

Allardyce also insisted his transfer window spending has not been capped and revealed he has already begun compiling a shopping list.

"I am putting players forward to the chairman and decisions will be made from there," he said. "The players that might be available and are available are being discussed on a regular basis, day to day.

"I was never given an indication of a budget in the summer and it will be similar in this window."

As for possible January departures from St James' Park, Allardyce added: "It would have to be a very lucrative offer for anyone to move away from the club."