Eddie Howe is willing to take the Newcastle United job ‘immediately’ after Unai Emery rejected the chance to move to St. James’ Park today, the Northern Echo report.
Howe to Newcastle?
Howe is now said to be Newcastle’s preferred choice as they assess other options to take the job.
The Magpies had pushed for Emery, but the deal fell through at the final stages, with the Spaniard deciding to stick with Villarreal.
Howe, who is currently out of work, should be a more simple appointment though.
Newcastle do not have to agree compensation for the Englishman and it is claimed that he would be ready to step in to the hot-seat as soon as possible.
Whether that means that Newcastle will be able to get a deal over the line before the weekend remains to be seen.
The Echo says that Graeme Jones’ chances of being in the dugout on Saturday have now increased, which could be a blow for Newcastle.
Jones has only collected one point from the two games he has taken temporary charge of since Steve Bruce departed.
Point to prove
If Howe is to take the Newcastle job he will do so with a point to prove.
The 43-year-old, who Harry Redknapp has called ‘fantastic’ (The Sun), was once regarded as one of the best up-and-coming managers in England.
However, a relegation with Bournemouth seems to have counted heavily against him.
Where he does have an advantage over Emery is that he has more experience of a relegation fight.
Newcastle are currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, and an immediate improvement will be needed if they are to avoid the drop.
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