Manager has ‘agreed’ NUFC deal but Saudis yet to sign it off? – Intriguing new claims from Italy

Sky Italy’s Fabrizio Romano claims that “everything is agreed” between Newcastle United and Paulo Fonseca – yet the Saudi consortium are yet to finalise a deal as our search for Steve Bruce’s replacement goes on.

Former Roma boss Fonseca has been the bookies’ favourite since Steve Bruce was sacked a week ago today, with Lucien Favre, Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe also said to be in the running.

Now, Romano is reporting that all terms have been agreed between the two parties, but our new owners are yet to make a final decision on a manager.

Here’s what the Italian journalist has had to say, wondering why we’ve yet to finalise a move for the Portuguese coach after another round of positive talks over the weekend:

Fabrizio Romano update on Newcastle’s managerial situation. ??? pic.twitter.com/u6kstUNtsn

— Dazza (@NUFC_DazzaD) October 25, 2021

One would ask the question why, yet it could be for several reasons…

Are the consortium wanting to evaluate all their options meticulously, rather than jumping in the deep end and hiring the first manager who seems keen after talks?

You would like to think so, but there is also a scenario where the different parts of the consortium are not in agreement with who should take charge – as was reported in The Mirror last week.

Whoever comes in, their first game in charge looks set to be a long trip to Brighton, with Graeme Jones expected to be in the dugout again on Saturday when we host Chelsea.