The Magpies have been in the market for a new manager, and the current owners are looking at a high-profile appointment. In particular, Unai Emery and Eddie Howe have been shortlisted by the management as favorites to pick the role, but in their pursuit to appoint the Villarreal head coach, they might have a stumbling block.
The Spaniard has his reservations over the current structure of the club, and the future appointments that will be made with regards to the technical director and chief executive roles.
He was asked about these interests after yesterday’s Champions League win against Young Boys (2-0), where he mentioned that he respects the club he’s working with, and only acknowledged a fact that there is interest from the Magpies.
“I have been told of their [Newcastle’s] interest and I pretty much don’t have more news than that. There is no offer, which in any case would have to come via the club. So there’s no more beyond that [which would make] me say I’m going.
“I do not open or close the door. I am waiting and I would talk to Fernando [Roig, the Villarreal president] and the club, for whom I have respect. My dedication is where I am,”
a three-time Europa League winner said in the press conference.
The Yellow Submarine are exptected to demand a 6 million euros compensation from the Jordie club. Newcastle are willing to pay that money if the terms are met with Emery, and as it stands, the team management is adamant that he will stick with the club.
If this move for the Spaniard, who turns 50 today, fails to go through, former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will be in contention to take over. Howe has been out of a job since leaving the Cherries, and has been appearing on TV as a pundit. He has a proven track record of doing well with minimal resources, making him a major contender to watch out for.
Some other names like Lucien Favre and Brendan Rodgers are doing the rounds across newspapers and online publications, but it seems like the final battle will be between the former Arsenal man and Howe.
