Newcastle consider ‘replacing Steve Bruce with Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus’ as £300m takeover nears completion
NEWCASTLE are reportedly eyeing Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus to replace Steve Bruce should their £300million takeover be completed.
Saudi Arabian group Personal Investment Fund, fronted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are in negotiations with current owner Mike Ashley.
And according to , if their bid is successful they could swing the axe on Bruce's tenure at St James's Park.
Flamengo boss Jesus is the latest name to be linked with the job.
The 65-year-old won the historic double last season of the Brazilian league title as well as the Copa Libertadores.
It is the first time it has been achieved since Pele led Santos to the accolade in 1962 and 1963.
But despite Jesus being the latest name linked with the top job, he is not the bookies' favourite.
Rafa Benitez, who controversially left the Toon last summer after a fall-out with Mike Ashley and Co, is runaway favourite at 3/1.
Massimiliano Allegri, who won five Serie A titles in his five seasons at Juventus - is now second-favourite at 6/1 with Paddy Power to take the role.
Steven Gerrard (12/1), Sean Dyche, Roberto Martinez and Mauricio Pochettino (all 14/1) and Eddie Howe (16/1) are the others in contention.
RAFA COMING BACK?
But at 4/11 it looks most likely Steve Bruce will NOT be in charge for Newcastle's first game of the 2020-21 season - whenever it starts.
Since news of the takeover emerged, several big name players have been linked with moves to St James' Park.
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Official paperwork shows the deal is close with a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium, involving Bin Salman. and financier Amanda Staveley.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and a close associate of the Crown Prince, will become new chairman – with his powerful friend also involved in the Magpies’ takeover.
The Toon’s new wealthy backers will become the Premier League’s richest owners once their takeover at St James’ Park is completed.
