Alan Shearer has emerged as the firm favourite to take over as Newcastle United manager in Premier League betting markets.
Despite the Magpies legend's apparent reluctance to take charge at St James' Park this season, punters are backing him to become the next permanent manager once temporary boss Joe Kinnear is removed from his post.
William Hill makes Shearer a 6/4 bet for the manager's job at Newcastle, while Paddy Power is offering the same odds and prices Kinnear at 7/2 to take charge on a permanent basis.
"For no readily apparent reason, everyone wants to back Alan Shearer," said Graham Sharpe, spokesperson at William Hill.
"Perhaps seeing [Newcastle's] recent improved performances under Kinnear has encouraged Shearer to believe he can do even better," he added.
Other candidates available at Paddy Power include Kevin Keegan at 4/1, Gus Poyet at 8/1 and Steve Bruce at 20/1.
Alan Shearer has emerged as the firm favourite to take over as Newcastle United manager in Premier League betting markets.