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Ex-Arsenal captain Vieira wants to speak to Newcastle… but Nice will fight sensational Premier League return
PATRICK VIEIRA would be willing to speak to Newcastle as he plots a path back to the Premier League.
The Nice boss is one of the names being considered by the Toon as they look to replace Rafa Benitez.
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And SunSport understands Vieira, 43, is open to talks — although he has concerns about working under owner Mike Ashley.
The Arsenal legend was sounded out by Newcastle in 2015 before they ended up appointing Steve McClaren.
Vieira was then in charge of Manchester City’s Under-21s but has since gained managerial experience with New York City and Nice.
He led the French club to seventh in Ligue 1 last season and is enjoying the role in his home country, where he has very little interference from upstairs.
Vieira was instrumental in the appointment of technical director Giles Grimandi and works closely with his former Arsenal team-mate.
Nice have already made clear they would fight to keep hold of their manager if the Toon made an approach.
But there is uncertainty over their ownership with Jim Ratcliffe, Britain’s richest man, in talks to buy the club from Chinese businessman Chien Lee.
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Vieira’s long-term aim is to be a boss in the Premier League and he is waiting for the right opportunity to come back to England.
He would therefore welcome interest from a club the size of Newcastle.
But Vieira has some reservations over the role having seen Benitez refuse to sign a new deal because of Ashley’s lack of ambition.
He would also not want to walk into another club on the verge of a takeover - so would need answers from Ashley on any potential sale.
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley has not yet approached Vieira or any other candidates as Benitez's contract does not expire until Sunday.
But it is thought he wants a younger boss who is willing to accept less power than Benitez.
Pep Guardiola’s No2 Mikel Arteta - who like Vieira has been groomed as a coach at City - is another name in the frame.
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