Newcastle dealt fresh blow as Eddie Howe deal could collapse

Howe looked certain to be taking over at St James' Park

Newcastle United have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit of a manager as a deal to appoint Eddie Howe is on the verge of collapsing. According to the Mirror, Howe looked set to sign a two-year deal after talks had progressed in the week, but they now have come to a standstill as the former Bournemouth boss cannot negotiate a deal for his backroom staff. This isn't the first time Howe has reached a stumbling block in negotiations either, with the 43-year-old heavily linked with the previously vacant Celtic job last summer, which ultimately saw talks end because of a similar issue. If reports are to be believed, it will cap off a disastrous week for Newcastle in their hunt to appoint a successor to Steve Bruce. At one point during the week, it looked certain that Villarreal boss Unai Emery would be taking the job, but talks were ended after the Spaniard confirmed he would be staying with the La Liga side. Emery was reportedly concerned about the owners' failure to understand his vision for the club and the task he had to ensure he could fulfil the aim of helping Newcastle compete for trophies. It was made all the more embarrassing by the fact that the new owners of the Magpies were so confident the former Arsenal man was returning to the Premier League, that they cancelled their last round of interviews. Graeme Jones has been taking charge on an interim basis and will continue for the game against Brighton & Hove Albion tonight (Saturday 6 November). Should a deal collapse it remains to be seen who will take charge. Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre are two names that have previously been mentioned. Or, if all else fails, Steve Bruce is still out of work. Related links:

• Newcastle cancelled interviews with managers, thinking they’d secured Emery
• Unai Emery confirms he won’t be joining Newcastle United
• Unai Emery made favourite to take Newcastle Utd job