Aston Villa said on Monday they would resist any approach from Newcastle United for manager David O'Leary. Chief executive Bruce Langham spoke out before it emerged that Newcastle were appointing Blackburn's Graeme Souness to replace sacked Sir Bobby Robson.
"We haven't had any approach, but one from Newcastle would not be welcomed and would be rejected," he told the club's official website.
"That was the situation on Friday and that is the situation today."
Alongside O'Leary, Birmingham's Steve Bruce and Terry Venables were touted as Robson's successor.
Venables said on Sunday he had held talks with Freddy Shepherd over the job.
But Shepherd had denied speaking to Venables earlier in the week and had hinted that his top target is currently working in the Premiership.
 |  The most important thing is that we get the right man |
Shepherd insisted he would not rush into an appointment.
"What I have got to do is what is best for Newcastle United, not what is best for my popularity.
"We are talking to everyone we are legally entitled to and those who we feel merit our consideration.
"The most important thing is that we get the right man."
MMIX
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