According to Italian journalist Fabio Santini, Gennaro Gattuso wants to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle as the manager search goes on.
What’s the story?
Well, it’s been six days since Amanda Staveley and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia parted ways with Bruce.
Now, Santini believes Gattuso wants to take hold of the reins on Tyneside.
Speaking on Italian TV show 7 Gold, the journalist said: “Attention: there is a sensational twist for what concerns Mr Gennaro Gattuso. The coach could reach the Premier League at Newcastle. The Calabrian coach would also accept a fixed-term contract until the end of the current football season.”
Interestingly, Santini added that Antonio Conte has turned Newcastle down, as he is currently negotiating with Manchester United.
The Italian believes Gattuso would even accept a contract running until the end of the season, as he aims to prove himself in the Premier League.
The 43-year-old has been unemployed since leaving Fiorentina in June, just 23 days after he was hired, as tensions grew between him and the Board (BBC).
Would Gennaro Gattuso be a good fit for Newcastle?
In our view, the Magpies can do better than Gattuso.
PIF have untold riches, and would be able to attract most top-class coaches to the project currently ongoing at Newcastle.
A near limitless transfer budget – except for Financial Fair Play, of course – would entice many managers to Tyneside, so the Magpies can certainly do better than Gattuso.
The former AC Milan captain – who Harry Redknapp called crazy – has achieved 130 wins from 287 games in management.
Gattuso has also won the Coppa Italia with Napoli, but as he was in his playing days, he still seems to be a bit difficult to work with.
The last thing Staveley and PIF need is to hire him, only for things to backfire and they’re forced to return to the drawing board.
In our view, Newcastle can do far better than Gattuso.
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