Transfer gossip: Mourinho to replace Howe at Newcastle, Ajax star in Man Utd talks

Newcastle would apparently ditch Wor Eddie if Jose Mourinho could be appointed this summer. And Man Utd are leading the race for a Ten Hag favourite…

NEWCASTLE LINE UP MOURINHO

Life is pretty sweet for Eddie Howe right now. The Newcastle manager is on the shortlist for Premier League manager of the season and last night he saw his side pull Arsenal’s pants down. Yet the Magpies are said to be looking to hire Jose Mourinho…

That’s the line according to Marca. Apparently, Newcastle could ditch Howe this summer if Mourinho could be tempted to Tyneside.

Mourinho has flirted with Newcastle a few times of late and, if there’s one thing we know about the club’s Saudi owners, they aren’t afraid to be ruthless.

But Howe’s stock might never be higher than it is right now. The former Bournemouth boss is adored by the Toon Army and though many in their number have no problem with their owners’ track record, binning Howe right now might cause a stink. Or perhaps not.

Are the Saudis running a Newcastle shirt up a flag-pole to see if it will fly?

TOON AND VILLA LEAD PHILLIPS CHASE

Whether it’s Howe, Mourinho or Mohammed bin Salman in charge of Newcastle next season, it seems they want Kalvin Phillips in their midfield…

Phillips looks increasingly likely to leave Leeds this summer. If they go down on Sunday, the England midfielder is almost certain to be on his way and even if they stay up, the Yorkshireman appear set to cash in on their biggest asset.

Manchester United are keen on Phillips but the Leeds lad is unlikely to cross the Pennines. Which, according to Football Insider, leaves Newcastle and Aston Villa at the front of the queue, with both clubs putting the framework in place for a deal with the Whites.

CHELSEA EYE