Newcastle have confirmed they have given Crystal Palace permission to speak to their manager, Alan Pardew.
Pardew will not take training on Tyneside on Tuesday as he edges towards a move to his former club, who sacked Neil Warnock on Saturday after they slipped into the relegation zone.
A statement released by the Magpies read: "Newcastle United can confirm that Crystal Palace have made a formal approach requesting permission to speak to Alan Pardew in relation to their vacant managerial position. Crystal Palace have offered compensation at a level whereby Alan has now been permitted to speak to them.
"As a result of this development today, Alan will not be at training on Tuesday. Training will be the responsibility of assistant manager John Carver. The club will make a further announcement in due course.''
Pardew's decision to skip his media duties following Newcastle's 3-2 win against Everton on Sunday fuelled rumours that he was being lined up for an emotional return to Palace, with bookmakers installing the 53-year-old as favourite for the job.
The current Magpies boss has five-and-a-half years left of the eight-year deal owner Mike Ashley -- who has stood by him through times of mass supporter dissent -- handed him and his staff in 2012, with compensation reportedly set at six million pounds for him to depart.
Pardew played at Selhurst Park from 1987-91 and his famous FA Cup semifinal winning goal against Liverpool back in 1990 has ensured the former midfielder has a special place in Eagles fans' hearts, but both clubs have remained silent on suggestions that he could be ready to walk away from St James' Park after four years.
The former Reading, West Ham, Charlton and Southampton boss was under serious pressure at the start of the 2013-14 season, but has turned things around with a good run of form to leave Newcastle in ninth place at the end of 2014.
Palace's reported desire to appoint an English manager with proven experience in the Premier League means he is one of the few managers who ticks all of their boxes.