Joe Kinnear is convinced he could take the Newcastle United job ahead of Alan Shearer.
When asked whether Shearer was cub owner Mike Ashley's preferred choice for the manager's post, Kinnear replied: "I am not sure about that. I haven't discussed Alan Shearer at all any time.
"I was definitely offered the job a couple of weeks ago.
"I sat down and spoke in depth to (club chairman) Derek Llambias and the offer was a two-year contract."
Ashley has been unable to find a buyer for the club since suffering relegation to the Championship on the final day of last season but Kinnear revealed work remains on-going behind the scenes in an effort to reach a deal.
"It is an on-going situation," he said.
"They are trying their hardest to sell it and anyone who has suggested they are buying it have not come up with the goods.
"The first consortium that does Mike will sell but it has got to be at the price he wants."