Newcastle United want to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager if Eddie Howe leaves the club to take the England job.
Howe is a leading contender to replace Gareth Southgate after his decision to step down as England boss following defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The Football Association are yet to make their move to appoint a new Three Lions manager, with the likes of Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Pochettino himself all thought to be in the running for the job.
If the FA do go for Howe, and he accepts the role, then the Magpies will move to appoint Pochettino as manager at St James’ Park, according to The Mirror.
The 52-year-old was in charge of Chelsea last season but stepped down as manager at the end of the campaign, leaving the club by mutual agreement.
The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League after a turbulent campaign which saw the team finish impressively, winning their final five games of the season.
However, Pochettino and the Chelsea hierarchy clashed over signings and strategy and the former Spurs boss is now out of work after deciding to move on.
Newcastle are keen to keep hold of Howe, but if he is tempted away by England then Pochettino is top of their shortlist to replace him.
Newly appointed sporting director Paul Mitchell worked with Pochettino at both Southampton and Tottenham and enjoys a good relationship with the Argentina international.
Howe, though, has insisted he has no plans to leave Newcastle, saying: ‘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.’