Newcastle United reportedly have three names at the top of their managerial shortlist as they aim to find a replacement for Steve Bruce.
Bruce is on the brink of being sacked as Newcastle boss with the club’s new ownership considering who best to take charge of the beleaguered side.
The 60-year-old reached the landmark of 1,000 games in management on Sunday, but the 3-2 defeat by Tottenham is almost certain to be his final match as Newcastle manager.
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The new ownership consortium, led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have always been expected to replace Bruce, whose side are 19th in the Premier League and without a win this season.
Although Bruce was given a stay of execution for Sunday’s match, he could be sacked before Newcastle’s next match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
That decision will cost the Magpies £8million with Bruce due a pay-out, but it remains to be seen who will come in as his replacement.
According to The Times , the three names currently at the top of the list are Roberto Martinez, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery.
Martinez is currently Belgium manager, but he is out of contract in the summer and has an existing link to Newcastle, given he has previously worked with assistant coach Graeme Jones.
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There is a suggestion the former Everton boss could combine roles and work for Newcastle and Belgium until his contract with the national team expires in 2022.
Gerrard has been extremely successful at Rangers and reportedly has boardroom support with decision-makers Yasir al-Rumayyan, the new chairman, and the director Amanda Staveley, who were both at St James’ Park yesterday.
The former Liverpool captain ended Celtic’s dominance by winning the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers last season and his side are top of the league after nine games this season.
However, the 41-year-old has long been linked with a move back to the Premier League and he has addressed the rumours linking him with Newcastle.
“I think it’s interesting what’s happening at Newcastle,” Gerrard said last week. “I think if anyone deserves a break it’s the Geordie fans.”
Emery is also reportedly being considered by Newcastle after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final with Villarreal in May.
The Spaniard flopped as Arsenal manager after replacing Arsene Wenger in May 2018, finishing fifth in his first season before being sacked in November 2019.
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However, Emery won the Europa League three times with Sevilla and has a good reputation in his native country.
Bruce knows his days are numbered on Tyneside but has vowed to continue working until the inevitable happens.
“I’ll wait until they see fit and we’ll see what they are going to say,” he said on Sunday when asked about his future. “You better ask somebody else about that one.”
He added on Friday: “I met the new owners this week, and they made it clear to me: carry on. That’s what I will do until I hear otherwise.”
