Newcastle’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell, has identified his preferred candidate to take over from Eddie Howe if Howe moves on to the England job.
Howe, who is currently the second favorite to succeed Gareth Southgate following his resignation after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, has previously called the England role his “dream job.” Despite the Newcastle leadership’s desire for Howe to remain at St James’ Park, the Mirror reports that Mitchell is already looking at potential replacements.
Mitchell’s top choice to replace Eddie Howe is reportedly Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino, who guided Chelsea back into European competition last season before his dismissal, has a history with Mitchell, who originally brought him to the Premier League at Southampton and later worked with him at Tottenham, where they had a strong professional relationship.
Should Howe be tempted by the England job, Pochettino could be contacted. Additionally, the potential departure of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, believed to be Howe’s main supporters on the board, might push Newcastle to consider a change.