Newcastle manager search ‘down to Unai Emery or Eddie Howe’ with the Villarreal manager the preferred choice for the job as long as the Saudi-led club can meet the Spaniard’s demands
- Newcastle have been looking for a manager since they sacked Steve Bruce
- Graeme Jones is currently the interim boss at Newcastle who sit 19th in the table
- The Magpies have made Villarreal manager Unai Emery their leading choice
- Emery though is contracted at the Europa League winners until 2023
- Eddie Howe is their second choice if they are not able to land Spaniard Emery
Newcastle’s manager search is reportedly down to two names, with either Unai Emery or Eddie Howe set to get the job at the richest club in football.
Their search for Steve Bruce’s successor is now in its third week, with the Magpies still yet to appoint a manager to the role with the club languishing in the relegation zone.
The Athletic have now reported that the Saudi owners have cut their shortlist to just two with Unai Emery the leading contender ahead of Eddie Howe.
Villarreal and former Arsenal boss Unai Emery is the leading contender for the Newcastle job
If they are unable to sign Emery then Eddie Howe is the next man in the running
Emery is contracted at Europa League winners Villarreal until 2023 and it’s believed that Newcastle would have to pay the Spanish club around £5.1m in compensation.
It’s said the decision will come down to whether Newcastle can meet Emery’s personal terms and pay him a similar salary to what he had at Arsenal.
If they are unable to persuade Emery to join St James’ Park, then Eddie Howe would be their next choice.
Howe, has been without a job since he left Bournemouth following their relegation to the Championship in the summer of 2020.