Newcastle could turn to 51 y/o big name 'if Howe can't handle it'

Newcastle United could look to replace Eddie Howe with Gareth Southgate later down the line in a move that could see the England manager reunited with Dan Ashworth, says journalist Dean Jones.

Howe only became Newcastle boss last November, but it looks like the Tyneside club already have a contingency plan in place in case things do not go well under the 44-year-old.

The man presently in the St James’ Park dugout can be pleased with the start he has made to life as Newcastle manager.

Under Howe, the Magpies have climbed to 14th, which is incredible given that at one point they looked nailed on for relegation, not winning their first Premier League game until December.

Since that 1-0 win against Burnley, Newcastle have gone on to beat Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa, with those three victories all coming next to each other, before claiming another three points versus Brentford.

Antonio Conte could QUIT Tottenham! Find out more on The Football Terrace…

Ultimately, it has been quite the turnaround by the club under Howe, who could soon be joined by Ashworth in what would be another positive development at St James’ Park.

BBC Sport reported at the start of February that Newcastle were set to appoint Ashworth as their director of football. The 50-year-old has plenty of experience, previously working at Premier League rivals Brighton and with the FA and England.

Going forward, though, if things start to turn sour for Howe, Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that he could be replaced by Southgate.

Speaking to GMS, the insider said: “It’s been mentioned to me before that Gareth Southgate might even be somebody that comes into the thinking beyond Eddie Howe if Eddie Howe can’t handle it.”

It is hard to say. He would certainly be an