The 61-year-old met managing director Derek Llambias this week to discuss his winter recruitment drive after being handed the job until the end of the season.

Kinnear, who described their discussions as "positive", revealed that soundings have already been taken with several clubs over proposed moves, and he will have his scouting team out in force over the next few days.

Kinnear said: "We had a meeting during the week, a very positive meeting.

"I put a list of players in. At this moment in time, we are talking to numerous players.

"We are trying to get things ready for as soon as the window opens.

"We have got two or three players being covered over the weekend. We have got two or three players who we have not only spoken to their agents, but also their clubs."

Kinnear confirmed last week that he had been told by owner Mike Ashley there would be funds available to strengthen the squad he inherited from Kevin Keegan next month, although it remains to be seen just how much spending power he will have.

He has also been given permission to open contract talks with the likes of skipper Michael Owen, Nicky Butt, Shola Ameobi and Steve Harper, whose current deals expire at the end of the campaign.

However, that process is still to start in earnest, and he confirmed that, despite speculation over Owen and keeper Shay Given in particular, there have been no enquiries about any members of his existing squad.

Kinnear said: "I will be addressing that, but I haven't got down to it yet.

"To be fair, nobody has come to see me. We haven't had any enquiries for any players, so I haven't had any questions to answer in that respect."

Kinnear's main focus this week has been Saturday's must-win Premier League clash with promoted Stoke as the Magpies attempt to build upon successive hard-fought 0-0 draws at Chelsea and Middlesbrough.

They are without a victory since they defeated high-flying Aston Villa 2-0 on November 3, and desperately need three points to ease them clear of the drop zone.

Kinnear may be reminded of his Wimbledon days on Saturday when Rory Delap launches his infamous long throw into the home penalty area.

He said: "We had Vinnie Jones doing it for 10 years, so it is nothing new to me.

"There is only one way to defend it, and that is being better at the end of the throw than Stoke, it's as simple as that."