Newcastle manager Alan Pardew would be interested in the chance to return to former club Crystal Palace to replace the sacked Neil Warnock, sources have told ESPN FC.
Pardew's decision to skip his media duties following Newcastle's 3-2 win against Everton on Sunday fuelled rumours that he was being lined up for an emotional return to Palace, with bookmakers installing the 53-year-old as favourite for the job.
The current Magpies boss has five-and-a-half years left of the eight-year deal owner Mike Ashley -- who has stood by him through times of mass dissent -- handed him and his staff in 2012, with compensation reportedly set at six million pounds for him to depart.
Pardew played at Selhurst Park from 1987-91 and his famous FA Cup semifinal winning goal against Liverpool back in 1990 has ensured the former midfielder has a special place in Eagles fans' hearts, but both clubs have remained silent on suggestions that he could be ready to walk away from St James' Park after four years.
The former Reading, West Ham, Charlton and Southampton boss was under serious pressure at the start of the 2013-14 season, but has turned things around with a good run of form to leave Newcastle in ninth place at the end of 2014.
Palace's reported desire to appoint an English manager with proven experience in the Premier League mean he is one of the few managers who ticks all of their boxes.
But there have been others who would jump at the chance to manage Palace. Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer says he will not stand in Tony Popovic's way if the former Eagles defender wants to leave, while former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood is also interested in the job.
Caretaker manger Keith Millen took charge -- as he has done twice before -- against QPR on Sunday, getting a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road and then stated his own case for the job.
"I'm ready for it,'' the 48-year-old said. "I think the players respect me. I've done it enough times, I've managed before and I enjoy working for the club. The chairman may feel he needs more experience or wants to see what names are available because it's a vital time now.''
Much like when Ian Holloway left last season and when Tony Pulis walked out on the eve of this campaign, chairman Steve Parish has admitted to having no one lined up for the job.
"I don't know how long I'll be in charge for,'' Millen added. "I have not been told I've got a chance and I haven't spoken to the chairman about myself.''
Meanwhile, sources have told ESPN FC that former Palace manager Tony Pulis is top of the list to succeed Pardew if he does leave Newcastle, although bookmakers have gone for Ajax coach Frank de Boer.
Information from the Press Association was used in this report