Newcastle to swoop for ex-Chelsea boss if Eddie Howe leaves for the England job: Reports

Newcastle United will reportedly target former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino if Eddie Howe decides to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager. The Three Lions are looking to fill their managerial vacancy, and the Magpies' coach has emerged as a top candidate.

The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle will set their sights on Pochettino if Howe leaves. The Argentine tactician is out of management after departing Stamford Bridge at the end of last season.

Pochettino spent a year with Chelsea before parting ways and guided them to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League. He oversaw 27 wins in 51 games, taking the Blues to the Carabao Cup final (1-0 loss to Liverpool a.e.t).

Howe is one of the favorites to replace Southgate as England manager after the latter resigned following Euro 2024. He took the Three Lions to their second consecutive European Championships final, but they suffered a 2-1 loss to Spain.

Newcastle are in a strong position regarding Howe's future as he signed a multi-year contract last year. He's been at St James' Park since November 2021 and guided them to UEFA Champions League qualification in 2023.

Howe insisted he was focused on the Tyneside giants when asked about the England job. He said:

"My commitment to Newcastle is unwavering and it has been since I came to the football club. As long as I have certain things for me - as in I'm happy, I'm allowed to work in the way I need to work in order to get the best out of me and I feel supported - then that will never change."

However, many England legends have come out in support of Howe taking over the national team. The Magpies' all-time top scorer, Alan Shearer, thinks he's the man for the job, and former teammate Michael Owen backs those views.

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"Outstanding manager" - Howe gave a glowing verdict of former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino (left) received praise from Eddie Howe (middle).

Howe spoke glowingly of his potential successor when speaking about Chelsea's progression under Pochettino last season. The English coach dubbed him outstanding (via One Football):

"Chelsea have definitely improved throughout the season, they have got better and better, they have top quality players and an outstanding manager."

Pochettino's Stamford Bridge departure took many by surprise as the Blues hit a fine run of form at the end of the season. They won their last five games in a row, including a 2-0 win against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The Argentine has previously managed Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain. He led the Parisians to the Ligue 1 title before his dismissal in July 2022.