Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Jose Mourinho’s situation at Benfica as they look for a potential replacement for Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are currently 14th in the Premier League table, following a disappointing English top flight campaign to date, while they were knocked out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage after a 8-3 aggregate defeat to a rampant Barcelona side.
A late 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon has ramped up the pressure on Howe, although the club’s chief executive David Hopkinson has revealed that a sacking is not currently on the agenda.
Speaking after the loss to Sunderland in late March, Hopkinson told reporters: “I don’t have a stance on his future. Eddie is our manager. I expect to have a great run to the end of the season here and we will talk about the future when it’s time. Right now, we’re focused on this season’s competition.”
However, sources have informed FootballTransfers that a managerial change cannot be ruled out, and eSPORTY now claim that Mourinho has emerged as a candidate to replace Howe this summer.
Analysis: Jose Mourinho to Newcastle?
Mourinho has been linked with a move to Newcastle on a number of occasions in recent years, amid questions over Howe’s future, and it appears as though a St James’ Park switch could be on the cards.
The 63-year-old rejoined Benfica in September and although his deal with the Portuguese outfit runs until 2027, both parties have the option to terminate his contract at the end of the current campaign if they wish.
Mourinho has been heavily linked with replacing Roberto Martinez as the Portugal national team boss after the upcoming World Cup, but an agreement has not yet been finalised and Newcastle are set to compete for his signature.
Tha Magpies’ Saudi owners are reportedly eager to attract a high-profile manager if Howe departs and Mourinho has been earmarked as a suitable contender for the job, with the 63-year-old admired by the club’s hierarchy.
Roberto Mancini and Andoni Iraola are also on Newcastle’s shortlist ahead of this summer, with Howe potentially set to leave St James’ Park after five years at the helm.
If Mourinho is appointed as Newcastle manager this summer, they would become the fourth Premier League club he has managed after Chelsea (twice), Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
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