Newcastle United have finally announced Eddie Howe as their new manager.
The former Bournemouth boss has been confirmed by the club, signing a deal until 2024.
It comes after a bit of a chaotic week last week that saw Unai Emery reject an approach from the Magpies.
Howe was always in contention though, and the new owners have made the call today, with Howe having been present to watch the team against Brighton on Saturday night.
He’ll now be tasked with improving the players and getting some points on the board ahead of what will be a huge January for the club.
Many players have already been linked with a move to St. James’ Park.
One man who has been mentioned is Ousmane Dembele.
It was reported last month that the 2018 World Cup winner was keen on joining the club in January.
But Howe, if he was open to such a transfer, can probably forget all about it now.
Barcelona have just announced their legendary former midfielder Xavi as their new head coach, and he has been speaking about alleged Toon target Dembele.
He said: “For me, Dembele, he can be the best player in the world in his position.
“But you have to work with him and demand it. It depends on him, on his mentality, that he is free from injury, that he has high performance levels.
“His renewal is a priority for me.”
Next to no chance of Dembele moving to Newcastle
It was probably always unlikely Dembele was going to join Newcastle in January.
But Xavi is clearly a big fan of the Frenchman, and obviously wants him to stay at the Nou Camp.
This follows some compliments he gave him a few years back.
There is probably a good chance Dembele will end up extending, for a manager who massively believes in him.
Howe is now at the wheel at Newcastle, but this is surely a deal he can forget about.
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