Newcastle United manger Eddie Howe’s job has come under severe scrutiny this season as the Magpies have failed to impress.
After a successful season last year, in which Newcastle made it to the Champions League and reached the League Cup final, this season has been a huge disappointment.
Sections of the media have raised questions about Howe’s future at the club and those claims have only gotten stronger with every passing week.
Now, according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini would be interested in a move to Newcastle.
The report suggests Mancini is a candidate for a return to the Premier League, albeit it has not been decided if a change in the dugout would happen.
Leading Man City to their first Premier League trophy in 2011–12, the Italian has maintained his high profile by leading his country to victory in Euro 2020.
Mancini would be amenable to managing Newcastle United, according to HITC insider Graeme Bailey, who spoke to Geordie Boot Boys.
“From what I’m told, Mancini would be open to it [becoming Newcastle manager],” he said.
“He [Mancini] was one of the catalysts for what happened at Man City. He won their first Premier League title. If I was PIF, Roberto Mancini would be very much towards the top of my list, not the Jose Mourinho’s of this world.
“Mancini has been in this position. He’s taken over from a very popular manager previously.
“He’s been able to bring in these top quality players, and yeah Newcastle can bring big players in too, but you’re not telling me that Roberto Mancini can’t attract more players than Eddie Howe. That’s just a fact. Mancini can attract a player without having to pay them X amount of money. Yes, Newcastle with Howe can get the player in but you might have to pay him that much more.”
The 59-year-old unexpectedly decided to resign from his position with the Azzurri last year, and he was then named Saudi Arabia’s new coach.
Mancini’s contract expires in 2027, although his first tournament in command ended in heartbreak as Saudi Arabia lost to South Korea on penalties in the last 16 of the Asian Cup.
Mancini is currently getting his team ready for the World Cup qualifiers, but it seems like a return to club football is not out of the question.