The 52-year-old will officially be unveiled as Glenn Roeder's successor at a press conference later in the day.

Allardyce had been the hot favourite to get the job since Roeder was sacked, and held several rounds of talks with club chairman Freddy Shepherd.

He flew in to Tyneside by helicopter in the morning after attending the League Managers' Association dinner in Nottingham the previous night.

He first visited the training ground, where he met those players who have not already started their summer break, but his focus is already on the new season and the task of reviving the club's ailing fortunes.

Allardyce said that Shepherd had quickly convinced him to make the move to the northeast.

"Once Freddy Shepherd made it clear he wanted me then there was no doubt where I would be going," he told www.nufc.co.uk.

"After leaving Bolton Wanderers last week I was expecting a longer rest but once Freddy opened that door I was in."

Roeder left Newcastle earlier this month after a disappointing season which ended with the club in 13th place having registered their lowest Premiership points total, 43.

Allardyce stepped down from his position as Bolton boss on April 29 after eight successful years with the cash-strapped Lancashire outfit.

He previously turned down the chance to manage the Magpies three years ago, and last summer he was interviewed for the England job but lost out to Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren.

Allardyce will have several burning issues concerning players to deal with when he starts his job at St James, most notably with England striker Michael Owen whose future at Newcastle has been cast into doubt.

"One of the first things I will be doing is sitting down with Michael Owen and having a little chat with him," he said.

"What I think Michael needs is more time to get on track for us and hopefully He will decide to take that time."