Report: Former Arsenal boss 'favorite' to become Newcastle manager

Despite claiming to not have heard from Newcastle United, Unai Emery continues to be heavily linked with a Premier League return.

Unai Emery is the favorite to replace Steve Bruce as the next Newcastle United manager, according to reports.

Since sacking Bruce on October 20, Newcastle have stayed quiet about their search for a replacement. Several big names have been tipped for the role, but nothing materialized. However, as things continue to go downhill at St. James’ Park, the need for a new manager is greater than ever.

The Magpies’ new owners have stepped up their efforts and Sky Sports claims they’ve set their sights on Emery.

The Spaniard, who coached Arsenal from July 2018 to November 2019, is currently in charge of Villarreal. To lure him away from the LaLiga club, Newcastle would have to pay around £5 million in compensation.

Emery says he knows nothing

In a press conference on Monday ahead of Villarreal’s Champions League match against Young Boys, Emery publicly denied any knowledge of interest from Newcastle.

“I don’t know anything about Newcastle,” he told the reporters.

Despite this statement, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed Emery privately feels he has ‘unfinished business in the Premier League’ after Arsenal sacked him in 2019.

Downie added Newcastle hope to lure the Spaniard over to St. James’ Park on Wednesday, the day of his 50th birthday. The board wants a new manager in by the weekend.

🚨 | Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery is under serious consideration for Newcastle's managerial vacancy.

[via @SkySports_Keith] pic.twitter.com/S5NbYvFHvJ

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 2, 2021

Who else could be the new Newcastle manager?

Lucien Favre, Eddie Howe and Roberto Martinez are other candidates on the club’s shortlist.

Former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, meanwhile, only has an outside chance at best of becoming Bruce’s successor.

Until a new manager comes in, Graeme Jones will continue in his role as interim coach. Newcastle are currently preparing for a trip to Brighton on Saturday. With the club down in 19th in the Premier League and six points from safety, a result is badly needed.

🚨 | Lucien Favre, Eddie Howe and Roberto Martinez remain on Newcastle's radar should they fail to land Unai Emery.

[via @SkySports_Keith] pic.twitter.com/8luiHg6Gip

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 2, 2021