Newcastle have already identified their Eddie Howe replacement if he takes England job

Newcastle have reportedly identified their replacement for Eddie Howe if he becomes the next England manager.

The FA are currently searching for Gareth Southgate’s successor after the 53-year-old resigned from his role after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain.

Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Lee Carsley are believed to be among the leading contenders on the FA’s longlist, although Thomas Tuchel, Frank Lampard and even Pep Guardiola have been linked as possible candidates.

While Guardiola’s possible candidacy is a purely individual case - his contract at Manchester City expires next summer and a decision on his future will reportedly not be made before next year - most of the other contenders are out of work.

In Howe’s case, the FA would need to pay compensation to Newcastle to release him from his contract, while he is also said to be earning double compared to Southgate’s England wage.

Howe has also committed his future to Newcastle, telling reporters that his commitment to the club is ‘unwavering’.

But in the event that he does decide to take the England job should it be offered, the Magpies have reportedly decided on his replacement.

According to the Daily Mirror, Newcastle want to appoint Pochettino - who is also in the race for the England job.

The Argentinian, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in May, was linked with the vacant St James’ Park role when Newcastle sacked Steve Bruce in 2021.

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But he was at PSG at that point, and subsequently spent the 2023/24 season at Stamford Bridge before resigning.

It is claimed that Newcastle want a ‘swift answer’ from Howe on whether he will take the England job, as they would then want to take advantage of Pochettino being out of work before another club or international side swoops for his services ahead of them.