NUFC ‘exclusive’ names the FOUR managers shortlisted to replace Rafa Benitez – plus TWO ‘back up’ options

According to an exclusive from the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have shortlisted Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta, Steven Gerard and Eddie Howe as the early contenders to replace Rafa Benitez.

It’s worth noting the piece does state that we are ‘not confident’ Eddie Howe could be persuaded to swap Bournemouth for the North-East, however, while Burnley boss Sean Dyche and Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce are named as back up options.

Here’s a snippet from Luke Edwards’ new ‘exclusive’ for the Telegraph, with him revealing Mike Ashley’s alleged four-man shortlist:

‘Newcastle United are yet to make contact with any of their managerial targets but have drawn up a shortlist headed by Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard and Mikel Arteta.

‘They are also keen on Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, but are not confident they will be able to persuade him to move to the North East, with Sean Dyche and Steve Bruce seen as fallback options at this stage.’

Edwards insists that the club are yet to make contact with any manager as of yet, with us still just over 48 hours on from the club’s Rafa Benitez announcement.

You’d think what happens over the next week or so would be quite telling on the takeover front, however.

The Bin Zayed Group had set a deadline of June 30th (Sunday) in statements, so let’s hope any Mike Ashley appointment is either a short term necessity before any takeover and not him planning to remaining at St James’ Park in the long run.