Jose Mourinho has admirers among the Newcastle hierarchy if they part company with Eddie Howe, talkSPORT understands.
Newcastle's Saudi owners are believed to be attracted to the idea of appointing a big-name in the event Howe departs.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of SL Benfica, is seen during the press conference after the Portuguese Cup quarter-final match between FC Porto and SL Benfica at Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal, on January 14, 2026.
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Jose Mourinho was last managing in the Premier League in 2021 with Tottenham HotspurCredit: Getty
Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is another likely to come into any conversation.
Outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola would also be open to a move to St James Park should a vacancy arise.
Howe has come under pressure from fans following Newcastle's poor run of form, but retains the support of the club hierarchy.
As previously reported by talkSPORT, the former Bournemouth boss could opt to walk away if he feels he has taken the club as far as he can.
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Newcastle face an uncertain summer with several potential high-profile departures including Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento.
Anthony Gordon is also attracting interest from German giants Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
Sources have indicated to talkSPORT that the Magpies may be forced to sell to bring in new signings.
Mourinho is also expected to be a leading candidate for Portugal after the World Cup with Roberto Martinez likely to depart.
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager is currently in charge of Benfica.
Fan favourite?
Speaking on this week's episode of Inside the Toon, The Sun's head of sport and Sunday edition co-host Shaun Custis, who supports Newcastle, backed Mourinho for the job.
Jose Mourinho working with Sir Bobby Robson at Barcelona
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Mourinho worked closely with Newcastle legend Sir Bobby Robson earlier in his career and has a soft spot for NewcastleCredit: Getty
"I still feel that would be the best appointment for building the club up," Custis said.
"He won European trophies at Roma, and he won a European trophy at Manchester United.
"What is the risk? We have been relegated, and it has been 100 years since we last won the top-flight. It's not going to destroy the club.
"It puts Newcastle United where we want to be and recognised around the world."
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