Manager Has Told Close Friends He Wants The Newcastle Job, He's Already Been Interviewed

Paulo Fonseca has told close friends he'd like to take the manager's job at Newcastle United.

Newcastle are 19th in the Premier League and are yet to win a game this season, having sacked Steve Bruce last month.

The new Saudi owners at St. James' Park are keen to make a managerial appointment soon and the Times per HITC report Fonseca is keen.

Fonesca was interviewed for the job a number of weeks ago but the Magpies decided to look elsewhere for the time being.

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However, a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and 3-0 loss to Chelsea under caretaker management of Graeme Jones has seen the hunt for a new manager accelerate.

Fonseca last managed Roma and he left the Serie A outfit last season to be replaced by Jose Mourinho.

The 48-year-old came close to taking over Tottenham Hotspur in the summer but negotiations broke down.

Jones spoke following Saturday's defeat to Chelsea and claimed the club are in a relegation battle, despite the likely investment coming in January.

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"We are in a relegation battle. There's no question about that," he told Sky Sports. "We need to face it like men, stick together and believe we'll come through.

"For 65 minutes we were competitive. That was the game plan. We had a little bit of momentum in their half when the ball could have dropped our way.

"We ended up conceding when I was ready to make a couple of positive subs. Three in 15 minutes and the game was dead. It wasn't a 3-0 game for me. The last two goals were a result of the first one. That was the disappointment for me.

"I think it needs a fresh face. I think the fans were incredible today. It's not a style of football the fans are accustomed to, we want to attack people, we want to score goals.

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But this is the stage we're in. We haven't kept enough clean sheets this season and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what the need is at the minute.

"I haven't spoken to the owners. We'll see what they've got to say tonight or tomorrow."

Do you think Paulo Fonseca is the right man for Newcastle United?

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Topics: Football, Premier League, Newcastle United

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_