Newcastle United could move for former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, with Eddie Howe's future at St. James' Park in doubt.
Eddie Howe sack update
Howe will always be remembered for ending Newcastle's 70-year wait for a major trophy, but the Englishman's time could be running out, with his side 14th in the Premier League table, after what has been a disastrous campaign.
Eddie Howe's record as Newcastle manager
225 matches
114 wins
42 draws
69 defeats
1.71 points per match
1 major trophy won
Not only that, but the Magpies have lost home and away against bitter rivals Sunderland, ramping up the pressure on the 48-year-old, who could choose to walk away, according to a report from talkSPORT.
Indeed, despite Howe still retaining the board's support, he may decide to move on, if he feels he can't take the club any further, and Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is in the frame to replace him.
Mourinho, who has won two Champions Leagues and three Premier League titles, has admirers within the hierarchy, but the former Chelsea boss isn't the only serial winner that's of interest.
Jose Mourinho record at Manchester United (timeless)
Newcastle could also decide to make a move for Al-Sadd manager Roberto Mancini, with the Italian likely to be discussed, should they choose to dismiss Howe.
Much like Mourinho, Mancini has experienced plenty of success throughout his career, lifting 15 trophies, including the 2011-12 Premier League title with Manchester City.
Roberto Mancini's managerial record Matches Points per match
Al-Sadd 19 2.11
Saudi Arabia 18 1.44
Italy 58 2.17
Zenit St. Petersburg 45 1.76
Inter Milan 77 1.64
Galatasaray 46 1.89
Manchester City 191 1.97
Inter Milan 226 2.12
Lazio 102 1.75
Fiorentina 42 1.02
As well as impressing at club level, the 61-year-old has been successful in international management, being described as "unbelievable" by former footballer David Cotterill after leading Italy to glory in the Euro 2021 final against England.
The Italian, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, certainly has the experience to replace Howe at Newcastle, but he hasn't managed a top club since a stint with Inter Milan which ended in 2016, which may be a slight concern.
Howe takes the blame for Newcastle's defeat against Crystal Palace
In the recent trip to Selhurst Park, Newcastle fans would've been hoping for a response from their side, after succumbing to a defeat in the derby, but they once again came up short, with Crystal Palace emerging as 2-1 winners.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match Related
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Newcastle United could make a huge call on the future of Eddie Howe in the weeks ahead.
Howe took the responsibility for the Magpies 14th Premier League defeat of the season, saying: "I understand there's anger and frustration. I'm not blind to anything."
"I always have to look at myself first. I always say that. I'm number one accountable."
However, with the PIF now assessing potential replacements, the Newcastle boss will have to start turning things around sooner rather than later, and he is set to renew acquaintances with former club AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.