Howe in talks over Newcastle role

Talks are ongoing between Newcastle and Eddie Howe over their vacant manager’s position.

Howe has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth at the end of the 2019/20 season following their relegation from the Premier League.

But the 43-year-old is under serious consideration to take over at Newcastle after Villarreal manager Unai Emery rejected the chance to move to St James’ Park.

Howe has held talks with Newcastle’s new owners in the past fortnight, as well as with the club’s previous owners before the takeover.

He attracted interest from Celtic earlier this year, but turned down the chance to replace Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

Newcastle owners are still considering alternative options, with Roberto Martinez and Paulo Fonseca among them.

Fonseca held talks with Newcastle two weeks ago, and it is understood the Portuguese would be keen to reignite discussions.

Coach Graeme Jones, who has previously worked with Martinez, remains in caretaker control of the first team and will be in the dugout for their match away at Brighton on Saturday.

Newcastle remain without a win and sit in 19th place, on four points from their opening 10 matches.

Emery: I am not leaving

Emery released a statement on Wednesday to say he would not be leaving Villarreal to become Newcastle manager, despite holding talks with the club.

In a statement released on his Twitter account, Emery said: “For all the noise there was yesterday in another country, within the club there has been transparency and loyalty with the Roig family, that for me is most important.

“Villarreal is my home and I am 100 per cent committed to the club.

“Honestly, I am grateful for the interest shown by a great club, but am also even more grateful to stay here, and I have communicated to Fernando Roig my decision to want to continue as part of this project and for the commitment and respect that I have received from the club and my players, it is mutual and reciprocated.

“I also want to show gratitude for the love and support that has always been shown to me. This Sunday, we have a very important game and I hope that, together, we can achieve victory. We will see you in the Estadio Ceramica.”

Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures

November 6: Brighton (A)

November 20: Brentford (H)

November 27: Arsenal (A)

November 30: Norwich (H)

December 4: Burnley (H)

December 12: Leicester (A) – live on Sky Sports Premier League