Eddie Howe's stance on England job and why Saudi talks could be on the cards

This afternoon, a raft of reports from the national press have confirmed that Eddie Howe is a serious contender to replace Gareth Southgate at England should the current Three Lions boss step down.

It's a lingering worry after last night's defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024, so it's been interesting to see what a couple of North East reporters have had to say on the matter.

Both Luke Edwards (The Telegraph) and Mark Douglas (the i) insist that Howe's consistent message - both publicly and privately - has been that the England job is not for him at this stage of his career, with the 46-year-old also telling Gary Neville in a recent interview that he's far too focused on the project at Newcastle United to even think about an offer from England.

For now, it feels like Howe adores the day-to-day nature of club football too much to leave for international management, where he'd work with his players far less frequently. Douglas reveals that people close to Howe recognise that it is a long-term ambition of his to be England boss one day, yet he's currently determined to prove himself on the Premier League and Champions League stage and remains 'desperate' to end Newcastle's trophy drought.

One interesting point made by Luke Edwards is likely talks between Howe and Newcastle's owners, especially now he's lost two allies in Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi; two huge pillars of support who were key to his appointment over two and a half years ago.

Edwards believes that Howe will seek reassurance from PIF that the project remains the one he signed up for, challenging the club to show real ambition - on and off the pitch - if he's to stay at Newcastle in favour of England.

The good news on that front comes from Douglas, who reports that 'substantial' investment is expected over the final six weeks of the summer transfer window, suggesting there is plenty of money available as Howe looks to bring in a top right-winger, centre-back and potential long-term replacement for Callum Wilson up top, at the very least.