NEWCASTLE, England (AFP) -- Newcastle chairman Chris Mort insists the Premier League club won't be rushed into appointing a new manager despite Harry Redknapp's decision to reject their advances.

Redknapp was Newcastle's first choice to replace Sam Allardyce but the Portsmouth boss ruled himself out of the running on Saturday.
Mort knows it is crucial that he and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley get the right man after opting to dismiss Allardyce, who was appointed by former United chairman Freddy Shepherd.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is the bookmakers' favorite for the job, while former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer would be popular with the fans.
Former England coach Steve McClaren has also been linked with the post. But Mort, whose side face Manchester United on Saturday, refuses to be rushed into a knee-jerk appointment.
""In the process of appointing a new manager at Newcastle United, we have identified and spoken to a number of potential candidates,"" he said.
""This is a very important appointment -- our first since taking control of the club -- and we will take as long as required to make sure we bring the right person.
""That person will be someone we believe will be able to deliver successful results and performances to accompany that.
""We can confirm that Harry Redknapp is one of the people the club has spoken to.
""However, Harry made it clear he is happy with life on the South Coast and we wish him well for the future.
""We will continue to devote our time to the very important task of selecting the right person to manage Newcastle United and we will make a further announcement when appropriate.""