Newcastle United reporter Keith Downie has been speaking live on Sky Sports to discuss the latest development in the Tyneside club’s search for a new permanent manager.
The Toon have been without a permanent manager for just over two weeks now after parting ways with Steve Bruce following their home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
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Now two Premier League games on from the 60-year-old’s departure, the Magpies still remain without a permanent solution for their managerial vacancy which Graeme Jones is still filling in for on an interim basis.
However, on Tuesday morning, the Sky Sports reporter was able to provide Newcastle fans with a positive update on their manager situation as the club aims to find a solution before their trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion.
It is believed the Magpies held further interviews with Eddie Howe and Unai Emery over the weekend and have identified the former Arsenal manager as their number on target.
“I think they want to ensure that they have a manager in this week ahead of the trip to Brighton on Saturday, which will then give the new manager a couple of weeks to work with the players in [the] international break.
“And Unai Emery is the man, we can tell you, that the club, we understand, are lining up to take over from the sacked Steve Bruce.”
TIF Thoughts on Emery as the main target…
We think this is a managerial candidate which could divide the opinions of the Newcastle faithful given his recent patchy record at both Arsenal and Villarreal.
Emery did not enjoy the best of times at Arsenal and lasted just over one season in charge of the north London club despite finishing fifth in the Premier League table.
His time back in La Liga has also been full of ups and downs, the Europa League success being the obvious high point, but they currently sit slumped in 13th spot in the league table.
If it is Emery who is appointed as Bruce’s successor, we will be interested to see how he adapts to working with a side that is actively fighting in a relegation battle instead of aiming for a Champions League spot.
In other news: ‘Looking like a right duffer’ – Malcolm MacDonald blasts ‘shocking’ Newcastle ace