According to Marcello Chirico, Antonio Conte is now likely to join Manchester United, despite talk of him wanting the Newcastle job.
What’s the story?
Well, Newcastle’s hunt for a Steve Bruce replacement has taken an interesting twist.
It was the Chronicle who revealed that Conte was keen to become manager of Newcastle, following the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) takeover.
Now, however, Chirico believes the Italian is more likely to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Old Trafford.
The journalist told Il Bianconero: “(Massimiliano) Allegri obviously ended up in the crosshairs of the critics, as often happens when things don’t go well on the pitch, but I think that even an absolute enhancer of players like Antonio Conte would have had difficulty with the current (Juventus) squad, who will most likely go to coach (Cristiano) Ronaldo’s United.”
That is sure to be upsetting news for Newcastle fans, as Conte was by far the best option out there for the Magpies.
The ex-Chelsea boss lifted the Serie A title with Inter Milan last season, and has won 306 of his 518 games in management.
Tough times for Newcastle amid Manchester United uncertainty
Of all the opportunities Newcastle have had to sack Bruce, they choose to do so now, when Barcelona and Manchester United are also looking for new managers.
Solskjær is yet to actually leave, although ESPN believe the Red Devils are eyeing Brendan Rodgers as well as Conte as they draw up a shortlist.
In Barcelona’s case, Ronald Koeman was sacked earlier this week.
Xavi is said to be close to replacing him, a man who Newcastle are also considering as a replacement for Bruce.
It must be seriously tough for PIF and Amanda Staveley to find a new manager when two European heavyweights are looking as well.
Hopefully, the Magpies aren’t left with scraps when this three-way managerial hunt finally comes to an end.
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