Eddie Howe is reported to be considering walking away from Newcastle
Eddie Howe has led Newcastle to a disappointing season
Newcastle United are reportedly keeping an eye on two former Premier League title-winning managers with Eddie Howe under scrutiny and claimed to be considering quitting the club.
After enjoying a dream season of securing the League Cup and Champions League qualification last season, Newcastle have endured a deeply disappointing campaign this time around.
Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace leaves How's side 14th in the table and ten point away from the top five, leaving them with a pretty dismal outlook when it comes to achieving European qualification again this season.
Jose Mourinho of interest to Newcastle United
Jose Mourinho is constantly linked with Newcastle
Jose Mourinho would appeal to Newcastle's owners, apparently
That has led to speculation about Howe's future at the club, and talkSPORT report that the club's Saudi owners PIF would be 'attracted to the idea of appointing a big-name in the event Howe departs'.
Naturally, that means we are getting yet another round of Jose Mourinho being liked to the Newcastle job.
Jose Mourinho embraces Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon at full-time
Jose Mourinho battled Newcastle with Benfica earlier this season
The heavily-decorated Portuguese, currently at Benfica, has been connected with St James' Park repeatedly for years.
Mourinho even turned down the chance to join his Barcelona mentor Bobby Robson at the club back in 2000, owing to his then-burgeoning managerial ambitions
Magpies start Anthony Gordon revealed his mutual admiration for Mourinho after earning praise from the manager following Newcastle's 3-0 win over Benfica in October, saying: “He really creates a team environment, it's like us against the world.
“I recognise that from my own game so it was a big compliment. It means an awful lot. Even if I didn't idolise him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot."
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini carries the Premier League trophy, 2012
Roberto Mancini is among the potential contenders for the Newcastle job
talkSPORT also throw form Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini into the frame, saying he is 'likely to come into any conversation'.
The Italian led City to their first Premier League title in 2012, and has since had spells at Galatasaray, Inter, Zenit St Petersburg, Italy (whom he led to Euro 2020 glory), Saudi Arabia, and now Qatari side Al-Sadd.
Adoni Iraola is also namechecked as a potential Howe successor after announcing that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.