Eddie Howe has struggled to replicate last season’s form for Newcastle United.
Indeed, quite whether the Newcastle manager could have done much more with his squad after a freakish injury crisis, ridiculously difficult cup draws and big summer signing Sandro Tonali getting banned from football is up for debate.
Whatever the reason, this season has clearly not has been as good as last time out.
Luckily for Howe, he is believed to retain the support of the club’s PIF backers even during a difficult run.
Still, other managers have been linked including one Jose Mourinho.
The 60-year-old was touted as a potential replacement even during his time at Roma and has since been sacked by the Italian club.
Now, however, it seems Mourinho is on the lookout for yet another job.
Jose Mourinho next club: Newcastle latest
According to The Times, the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United manager is targeting a quick-fire return to work.
He is believed to be expecting to meet officials with Napoli this coming week, with the current Serie A champions having struggled this season after the departure of Luciano Spalletti.
Though Mourinho has been linked with both Newcastle and moves to Saudi Arabia, he is said to want to remain in Italy.
Jose Mourinho to Newcastle: Bullet dodged
Given Mourinho is believed to want to remain in Italy, it seems unlikely he will be a free agent looking for a vacant Premier League job any time soon.
That is a good thing for Newcastle fans. Mourinho’s CV might be laden with trophies but his last three stints at English clubs hardly look convincing.
Newcastle have a young squad going places even despite this season’s difficulty. Turning to a manager whose best years are well behind him does not look the wisest idea.
Mourinho has had his time in England.
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