Fans woke up to rumours in the Sun that Newcastle are readying a move to lure Belgian national team manager, Roberto Martinez, to become their new boss.
The Spaniard has allegedly been identified as the ideal replacement for former manager, and fan-favourite, Rafa Benitez.
The report claimed the Belgian FA are already “bracing” themselves for an approach from Lee Charnley, and fear that they will lose their top man, with them unlikely to be able to match the financial package on offer from the Magpies.
It is claimed that Mike Ashley wants someone appointed with established, Premier League experience, and it seems that Martinez, the former Everton and Wigan boss, is that man.
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Roberto Martinez would seem a safe choice rather than a bold one
It feels a slightly uninspiring choice, considering the other names mentioned – including Steven Gerrard and Mikel Arteta – but fans on social media have offered mixed reactions to the talk.
His time in England was very hit and miss, and although he managed to win the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013, he largely failed to live up to expectations at Everton.
Although still only 45-years-old, he is not exactly the young, progressive new coach the club were said to be looking at, and does not seem the type of name that will win resenting fans back to the St James’ Park stands.
Here are some of the fans’ Twitter reactions to the speculation: