Despite being extensively linked with Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, Newcastle United are close to appointing Eddie Howe as their new manager, according to BBC Sport.
Gerrard had been linked with the St James’ Park hot seat even before Steve Bruce left the role following the club’s high-profile takeover [The Times].
When the apparent favourite, Unai Emery, opted earlier this week to stay in Spain with Villarreal [BBC Sport], it may have put Rangers on red alert.
However, Gerrard did suggest a fortnight ago that he was going nowhere [BT Sport] and now, a coach formerly linked to Celtic looks set to land the job.
Howe came close to taking the reins at Parkhead in the summer before negotiations collapsed, but he now looks set to return to management for the first time since leaving AFC Bournemouth by mutual consent in August 2020.
The BBC Sport report asserts that an agreement between Newcastle and Howe is close and that it’s hoped he will be in charge for the Magpies’ trip to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
This report follows hot on the heels of another Gerrard-linked Premier League club, Tottenham, appointing Antonio Conte as their manager, and plenty of Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief.
The 41-year-old’s Ibrox contract runs until 2024 and most supporters were confident he would stay, but the Newcastle job has recently become much more attractive given the prospect of a blank chequebook for future transfer windows.
It seems that the speculation will soon be over, though, and Gerrard can focus on trying to steer the Gers to domestic and European success.
In other news, Ally McCoist raved about a Rangers player following the draw with Brondby.
