NEWCASTLE are willing to make Manchester United 'target' Erik ten Hag the Premier League's third-best paid boss.
That's the claim from the despite Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre remaining the bookies' favourites to succeed sacked Steve Bruce.
The Toon's new Saudi owners are reportedly ready to offer Ajax manager Ten Hag more than £11million a year gross - about £6m AFTER tax.
But the 51-year-old is reluctant to quit the Dutch champs.
Only Manchester City's Pep Guardiola (£20m a year) and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp (£15m) earn more than the package it's claimed Newcastle have put together for Ten Hag.
But so far it appears the former Bayern Munich reserves and Twente boss is content to continue developing a dynasty at Ajax, after turning down Tottenham over the summer.
In four years with his home country giants, Ten Hag has won two titles and maintained Ajax's production line of brilliant youngsters.
And even if the Magpies pursue their interest, they could face powerful opposition from the Red Devils.
Old Trafford manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is tipped to be the next Premier League chief axed, following Sunday's 5-0 home loss against Liverpool.
And for now ex-Roma boss Fonseca remains the favourite for the Toon job, having been interviewed last Wednesday.
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Skybet rate the Portuguese 48-year-old a 15/8 bet, ahead of former Borussia Dortmund manager Favre at 3/1.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, Rangers' Steven Gerrard and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard are next in the bookies' list.
Then come Eddie Howe and fans' favourite Rafa Benitez.
Everton chief Benitez has publicly ruled out returning to St James' Park but the Magpies still believe they could persuade the 61-year-old.
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