Newcastle United are lining up a move for Chris Wilder to replace Steve Bruce, according to reports.
ChronicleLive understands that despite pressure from the fan base, owner Mike Ashley is not prepared to sack the 60-year-old.
Newcastle have won just two of their last 20 matches and sit two points above the relegation zone after a disastrous run of form that has left supporters fearing the worst.
According to The Transfer Window podcast, Newcastle are looking at Wilder as a potential replacement, who left Sheffield United by mutual consent earlier this month.
"I think it's right to say that it fits a pattern of appointments for Mike Ashley," Duncan Castles said.
"He wouldn't be that expensive and he knows how to handle a club in the Championship, should Newcastle go down, which might also be in Mike Ashley's thoughts, to have someone ready to have them promoted again.
"He did a phenomenally good job at Sheffield United and then historically the worst start in Premier League history and I think that was to do with the unique tactical approach and clubs figuring that out.
"It would be interesting for his coaching credentials because he got lifted up to some of the top jobs in England football last season, to see how he would do at Newcastle, how quickly he could make an impact."
Wilder guided Sheffield United to a ninth-place finish after promotion from the Championship last season.
The boyhood Blade led Sheffield United from League One to the top-flight but after a season riddled with injuries and poor form, they're destined to be relegated back to the second-tier this season.
