Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is being considered as a surprise replacement for Mauricio Pochettino if Chelsea dispense with the Argentine at the end of the season, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Writing in his Substack column, Phillips says that Howe has been on the Blues’ radar for a long time and they may contemplate a move for the 46-year-old if he does depart St James’s Park:

“There has been a new name that I understand has at least been discussed internally as a potential option for Chelsea this summer, and that is Eddie Howe from Newcastle United.”

“He is just a name that has been mentioned and also, a name that has been admired at Chelsea before now under the old ownership and the new ownership. I believe he was mentioned before we hired Graham Potter.”

“But until now, Chelsea have only admired him and have not taken it any further. It could stay that way, but also, there might be an opportunity to seek him out this summer if that is what they decide to do.”

“And that’s because he could be available. There’s been a few whispers that he could leave Newcastle in the summer, although nothing solid has come out on that yet and it may come to nothing.”

Will Howe be sacked by Newcastle?

The Magpies have performed below expectations this season. After finishing 4th last year, they are currently sitting 10th in the Premier League table; 15 points adrift of the Champions League places.

As Phillips mentions, there have been “whispers” in recent months that Howe could be set for the axe. Jose Mourinho’s name has been mentioned as a potential replacement on more than one occasion, although most credible sources in the UK have played down those rumours.

A new sporting director needs to be appointed first

With Dan Ashworth now on gardening leave, you would think that any decision on the manager will have to wait.

Resolving the sporting director’s future and recruiting a successor will take precedence over whether to sack Howe. It is likely that Magpies fans won’t see a change in the dugout until the summer at the very earliest.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here