Newcastle United chiefs are keeping a close eye on events at Liverpool and Manchester United as talk on managerial change at Anfield and Old Trafford continues.
The Reds are keen to appoint former Liverpool and Spain star Xabi Alonso, but suggestions in Germany over the weekend are that he could yet stay at Bayer Leverkusen with the ex-midfielder closing in on the Bundesliga title. One theory in Germany is that he could wait another year for the Real Madrid job after Carlo Ancelotti extended his contract to 2026.
That would leave Liverpool firmly in the hunt to find Jurgen Klopp's successor and while the bookies have Julian Nagelsmaan and Thomas Tuchel in the running, one lesser-tipped name is Eddie Howe. However, one fact that has not been lost on Newcastle insiders is that Howe's association with the incoming Anfield chief executive of football operations Michael Edwards.
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Edwards and Howe have always remained close since their days at Portsmouth together while Liverpool this week appointed Richard Hughes as sporting director. Both men have been mooted with roles at Newcastle at various times but will have the final say on the next appointment at Liverpool and Howe's name is thought to be on their shortlist, albeit slightly down the pecking order.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can persuade Alonso or one of the out of work A-list managers such as Tuchel. Across at Old Trafford, with Gareth Southgate spoken about as Man United's choice to come as boss to work with sporting director Dan Ashworth and Sir David Brailsford, such an appointment would mean the England hotseat would become available.
And it is well known that Howe has been deemed the idea candidate for the Three Lions in the future. Newcastle are protected when it comes to Howe's long-term contract and would land compensation.
However, with Newcastle's star players being linked with other clubs towards the end of the season, the club's board are far from naive when it comes to the prospect of Howe also being a wanted man. The plan at the moment is for a strong finish from United and clinching that European spot with Howe at the wheel before moving into next season in calm manner.
Rob Lee ambassadorial role with Newcastle United continues
The former Newcastle captain is heading the USA with the club's CEO Darren Eales next month for a fan event in Nashville. Lee is one of the club legends who was drafted back to the club after Mike Ashley sold United, and recently flew over to Saudi Arabia for a similar event.
Eales will lead another International Supporters' Forum in the States on the weekend United face Fulham at Craven Cottage. United confirmed: "Club legend Rob Lee will head to Tennessee as part of the two-day fan festival as well as taking part in an exclusive supporter meet and greet session which will include a Q&A and prizes."
Magpies have a date for postponed clash against Crystal Palace
Newcastle's game with the Eagles was called off due to their involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend. But the Premier League today announced that the fixture has been rearranged for April 24.
Having seen kick off times range from the sublime to the ridiculous this season, Newcastle fans probably won't be surprised to learn the fixture is a midweek date in Croydon with an 8pm kick off.
