ALAN Shearer is understood to have discussed the vacant Ipswich Town job with owner Marcus Evans while holidaying in Barbados.

The former England striker and one-time Newcastle boss started the day – the first full 24 hours since Paul Jewell left – as something of an outsider.

But his name came in the frame when Town striker Michael Chopra, a former team-mate of Shearer, tweeted that he would be his number once choice at Portman Road.

Reports surfaced tonight that Shearer had been interviewed by Evans with one national newspaper carrying a photo of the Match of the Day pundit on holiday in Barbados – where, according to Marcus Evans’ corporate website, the owner has an office.

Speaking on Tuesday night, now-Town caretaker manager Chris Hutchings had let slip that Evans was also currently in the Caribbean.

It remains unclear whether Shearer has been identified as the number one candidate or just a name on a short-list with Evans and chief executive Simon Clegg whittling down the list from around 40 potential new managers.

It is understood the former Newcatle and England striking legend was a candidate for the Town job before it was given to Roy Keane.

Shearer would have heard all about Ipswich from his managerial idol, Sir Bobby Robson, while fellow pundit Harry Redknapp and former Ipswich and Newcastle scout Charlie Woods are both believed to be close advisors to Evans.

The timing of the rumoured talks, and the coincidence surrounding Barbados, suggests Shearer might have even been approached before Jewell officially left the club on Wednesday lunch-time.

The former Town manager made an astonishing admission of self-doubt immediately after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Hull City and it was widely believed then that his days were numbered.