1. Patrick Vieira
The odds-on favourite to take the job currently appears to be Patrick Vieira.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have made the current Manchester City development chief their top target for the St James’ Park hotseat.
It is believed that the World Cup-winning former France international would be an ideal candidate to work with the club’s extensive stable of Francophone players.
For Vieira’s part, Newcastle could offer him an opportunity to take his first step in management and at a major (if chronically unstable) club.