Newcastle United are in a strange position this season.
The notion of being disappointed in sitting just outside the Champions League spots and being narrowly knocked out of the Carabao Cup as well as European football too seemed so far away not long ago.
Indeed, Eddie Howe has proven a masterstroke appointment since coming into the club as the first manager of the PIF era.
To suggest he is under any kind of pressure should be ludicrous. Still, such is the nature of modern football, moves for new managers have been touted during a testing few weeks for Howe’s team.
The looming spectre of Jose Mourinho is hard to ignore. Linked with a move to the club by Italian outlet Gazetta dello Sport earlier this month, the likes of Richard Keys have also backed him for the role.
Now, more insight has emerged.
Jose Mourinho to Newcastle: Latest manager news
According to The Athletic, the 60-year-old has yet to be offered new terms by AS Roma despite his desire to stay at the club and currently has only six months left on his contract.
In fact, the report even says there are “fears” Newcastle or even former club Chelsea coming in for him but that has not been enough to prompt the owners of the Italian club into action.
Jose Mourinho to Newcastle: A hugely controversial move
It must be said that there is currently no suggestion Howe is under any kind of pressure, albeit the Mourinho links refuse to go away.
While the Portuguese has previously spoken in glowing terms about the club given his connection to Sir Bobby Robson, a move would be hugely controversial.
Not only is Howe a hugely popular figure but Mourinho’s last few jobs in the Premier League hardly offer much excitement. Yes, he may have a CV littered with trophies but the ends of his second spell at Chelsea, his time at Manchester United and his Tottenham reign are cause for concern.
Replacing Howe with this version of Mourinho would be a very divisive call.
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