John Carver leaves Newcastle, Steve McLaren favourite to take over as manager

John Carver has left Newcastle United after a five-month stint as manager of the Premier League club, according to British media reports on Tuesday.

Carver, 50, was promoted from his role as assistant when manager Alan  Pardew left Newcastle for Crystal Palace in January, but a slump in form saw the club avoid relegation to the Championship by a whisker.

He won only three matches of the final 20 games of the season.

Media reports said Carver left Newcastle along with coach Steve Stone and the club are expected to appoint the former England manager Steve McLaren as the permanent successor to Pardew later this week when he returns from holiday.