Newcastle United could move for Nice boss Patrick Vieira.
According to The Telegraph, Nice boss Patrick Vieira is interested in hearing what Newcastle United have to say even if he isn’t angling for a move.
Newcastle confirmed earlier this week that Rafael Benitez will be leaving the club when his contract expires on Sunday, as the two parties failed to agree a new deal.
Magpies fans are absolutely furious with Mike Ashley and co for losing Benitez, and the pressure is now on to find a replacement quickly, with the transfer window in full swing.
It’s now claimed that Nice boss Vieira is on the shortlist at St James’ Park, and he’s at least interested in speaking to the Magpies about a potential move, even if he isn’t looking to leave Nice.
The report notes that Vieira interviewed for the Newcastle job in 2015, and whilst he impressed the Magpies board back then, the job went to Steve McClaren instead.
Ashley and Lee Charnley may well have kept Vieira on their radar, in what would be a big-name appointment based predominantly off his playing career in England with Arsenal.
Vieira, 43, won 39% of his games at Nice last season, and he previously registered a 44% win rate in charge of MLS side New York City FC as he attempts to make waves in coaching.
Vieira appears happy to stay with Nice, and it’s now on Newcastle to tempt him into a move. The Frenchman isn’t at Rafael Benitez’s level, but his reputation and potential may just appease some fans.
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