Jean-Pierre Escalettes is sure Gerard Houllier will remain as the France Football Federation's technical director and will not join Newcastle.Reports on Tuesday suggested that 'informal discussions' had taken place regarding Houllier taking the currently vacant Magpies job.

The former Liverpool manager has emerged as a leading contender to replace Sam Allardyce after Harry Redknapp opted to stay at Portsmouth.

But FFF president Escalettes has revealed that after talking with Houllier, he is confident he will not take the manager's position on Tyneside.

Escalettes said: "I talked to Gerard by telephone - he is on business for us in the United Sates at the moment - and he told me 'every time an English club is in difficulty my name comes up'.

"Gerard's word is enough for me. He is at the DTN (technical director) and works for us.

"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."

In the light of these developments, reports in France Football suggest Didier Deschamps is expected in England for talks with the Magpies.

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