Paulo Fonseca hopes he has won the race to become the next Newcastle United manager after Steve Bruce and could be in the stands against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
That’s according to Chronicle Live, who report Fonseca held further talks with the Magpies hierarchy on Thursday. The Portuguese tactician is eager to take charge at St James’ Park and lead the Toon into their new era following the Saudi-led takeover earlier this month.
Fonseca feels Newcastle offer him a great chance to finally manage in the Premier League after speaking with Amanda Staveley. However, United’s Director is still waiting for sign off from the club’s new non-executive Chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, before hiring Fonseca.
Newcastle hope to announce Bruce’s replacement soon after sacking the 60-year-old this week. Graeme Jones will take charge at Crystal Palace on Saturday as interim head coach. He is likely to stay at St James’ and return to his assistant role under any new manager.
The new man in the hot seat could be Fonseca and if the pace of negotiations continue, he could watch Newcastle at Crystal Palace. However, no deal is yet in place with the 48-year-old, who left Roma at the end of last season.
Newcastle have also spoken to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and Eddie Howe about succeeding Bruce on Tyneside. But Fonseca is hopeful his discussions with Staveley will be enough to take up the mantle.
Additionally, The Telegraph claim Newcastle could pay Fonseca £6m-a-year to become the club’s next manager after Bruce. He left a glowing impression on Staveley during their talks, in which Fonseca outlined his philosophy for attacking football.
Newcastle fans react to Fonseca update amid manager search
Chronicle Live reporting Newcastle could hire Fonseca in time for the Toon’s potential next manager to watch the Crystal Palace game has sparked some fans to react online. That’s because a few believe a deal for the Portuguese to take charge is now imminent.
Others also shared their excitement for Fonseca taking charge at St James’, where his first job would be to pull clear of the relegation zone with Newcastle currently without a win.
So, here are some of the responses Newcastle fans have offered to Chronicle Live’s Fonseca update amid their manager search…
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