Newcastle United look to be closing in on an announcement concerning the club’s next manager.
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John Carver won only two matches out of 18 as the Magpies hurtled towards the drop zone last season. While they ultimately survived, it’s hard to imagine that Alan Pardew’s former number two has done enough to secure the job first time.
However, Mike Ashley looks to be closing in on an appointment, with reports this weekend suggesting that the club have a target in mind.
In this feature, we run down the main candidates to take the role full-time this summer.
5. Remi Garde
Back when Alan Pardew left Newcastle, it looked likely that Remi Garde would replace the former boss.
According to the Sunday People [via the Mirror], the Frenchman refused to move to the North-East because he didn’t think the city was ‘arty’ enough for him.
However, the former Arsenal midfielder is yet to find work since leaving Olympique Lyonnais in 2014 and his unshakeable unemployment might make him look at the North-East through new eyes.
4. David Moyes
According to London 24, David Moyes has grown frustrated at Real Sociedad, where the club’s transfer plans don’t match his.
The Scottish boss ended the season in 12th place in La Liga, and is looking to overhaul his squad. However, the club’s officials prefer the ex-Manchester United chief to look to the club’s youth ranks for fresh blood.
Frustrated with a lack of financial clout, might the Scot see Newcastle as a club more befitting his ambitions?
3. Michael Laudrup
Having ended his stay with Lekhwiya of the Qatar Stars League, Michael Laudrup is a free agent.
However, as reported by the Chronicle Live, the Real Madrid and Denmark legend will doubtless have no shortage of suitors as he considers his next move.
Laudrup impressed at Swansea, but can Ashley tempt him back to the Premier League?
2. Steve McClaren
According to the Telegraph, former England boss Steve McClaren is set to accept the Newcastle job when offered it (for a third time) by Ashley.
The ex-Derby County coach has previously rejected the Magpies’ approaches, but having failed to secure a play-off spot with the Rams, he will be aware that his stock is not as high as it once was.
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.