Mauricio Pochettino is hot on the heels of agreeing to the deal to take over as Newcastle boss, and is said to be in ‘advanced’ negotiations over a contract at St. James’ Park, according to reports in France claiming the former Tottenham boss is ahead of Rafael Benitez on a shortlist created by Newcastle’s prospective new owners.
The Argentine manager hasn’t managed since he was put on leave by Spurs towards the end of last year, but appears set to return to the dugout.
Newcastle’s takeover is undergoing its last stage of due diligence and is expected to be completed soon, and the club’s new owners are eager to have a new manager in place – potentially at the end of the season.
Benitez had also been linked with a return to St. James’ Park, but it now appears he will be staying back at the Chinese Super League side with Dalian Pro.
Pochettino is now hotly targeted in the crosshairs, and reports suggest negotiations are already at an advanced stage.
French outlet Le10 Sport reports that unless something drastic changes, Pochettino is the best bet to be the club’s new manager before long.
Incumbent manager Steve Bruce still has until June 2022 on his contract, and reports suggest he will be given until the end of the season before being relieved of his duties.
Though with Pochettino closing in on a deal to sign for the Magpies, those plans could change.
Newcastle are also said to be plotting a huge summer spending spree after Pochettino is confirmed, with moves planned for Kalidou Koulibaly and Philippe Coutinho.
The Magpies have apparently offered a contract to Koulibaly worth £10.5million-per-season.
The Napoli defender is expected to leave the Serie A side this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
PSG were expected to be leading the way for his signature after Koulibaly bought an apartment in the French capital, and he was targeted to be a long-term replacement for Thiago Silva.
If PSG slow their approach for Koulibaly, the arrival of Pochettino could lead to Newcastle leapfrogging them in the race for the Senegal international.