Eddie Howe is now said to be in ‘pole position’ for the vacant Newcastle United job after Unai Emery turned down the chance to take charge at St James’ Park.
Newcastle remain without a manager since Steve Bruce’s departure on October 20 and saw the club’s leading candidate – former Arsenal manager Unai Emery – reject the Magpies’ approach in favour of remaining with Villarreal.
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Newcastle’s ownership has now moved on to alternative targets and Howe has now emerged as the frontrunner to replace Bruce, having been without a club since leaving Bournemouth at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
The Mirror are reporting that the Magpies will turn to the 43-year-old, though a deal for Howe could include a termination clause should Newcastle fail to avoid relegation.
Howe guided Bournemouth from English football’s fourth tier to the Premier League and consolidated the Cherries for five seasons in the top flight, before their relegation two seasons ago.
Newcastle are currently 19th in the Premier League and without a win in their opening 10 league fixtures, however, significant investment is expected in January following their Saudi-backed takeover.
Unlike Emery, Howe does not have the unanimous approval of the board. Paulo Fonseca has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, though Newcastle could now face competition with Aston Villa understood to be considering the former Roma boss as the pressure increases on Dean Smith.
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