Newcastle United’s new owners tried to get Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonio Conte to St. James’ Park before they went for either Eddie Howe or Unai Emery, the Athletic have reported.
Newcastle making moves
Newcastle have ultimately settled upon appointing Howe as their new boss, after Emery turned them down.
But it seems that Tottenham’s Conte was also on their wishlist at one stage, with the latest update suggesting he was ‘courted’ by PIF.
Conte was out of work following his departure from Inter Milan, but it was Spurs who persuaded him back into employment rather than Newcastle.
The Italian, who is on a £250,000-a-week contract at Tottenham (Daily Star), was tempted back into work partly due to his relationship with Fabio Paratici.
It was the second time that Tottenham had tried to get Conte, and they got their man this time around.
But it seems that Newcastle also had their eye on the five-time league winning manager.
If Newcastle could have got hold of Conte he would have certainly been an impressive appointment.
The Athletic also say that the Magpies looked at getting Mauricio Pochettino, but were unable to land the PSG boss.
Big ambition shown
The fact that Newcastle did go for two of the most highly reputed managers in the world shows the ambition that they have under PIF.
However, it is just too early for Newcastle to be able to attract a manager of their standing, especially as they are in a relegation scrap.
Howe still seems to be an encouraging appointment for the Magpies, as he is one of the most talented, young English managers in the game.
Conte, meanwhile, has made a promising start at Tottenham – having gone unbeaten through his first two games in charge, against Vitesse Arnhem and Everton.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
