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Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their search for a new manager after learning their top target is willing to take on the role, according to reports.

Steve Bruce recently parted company with the club in the first major decision made by Newcastle’s new owners. Graeme Jones took charge on an interim basis, provisionally for two games. One of those has already passed, so a permanent appointment should in theory be getting closer.

But Newcastle are yet to confirm who will take the reins when Jones’ spell in interim charge ends.

A number of candidates have been considered for the job. The frontrunner was thought to be Paulo Fonseca, who hoped to win over his potential new employers by pitching a series of loan signings he could attract.

However, it then emerged that Fonseca, despite interviewing well, had been overtaken by Lucien Favre in the Newcastle owners’ order of preference.

Favre was under consideration by Crystal Palace in the summer before backing out of a move to Selhurst Park. He is still waiting to get back into management after leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

But it now seems Newcastle are ready to grant him that opportunity. According to the Northern Echo, he is “highly regarded” by senior officials at the club.

Crucially, Favre himself is willing to accept the role if it is offered. In fact, he “has confirmed his desire to take charge” and finds the Newcastle job an “enticing” one.

Therefore, Newcastle could be closing in on appointing the man to lead them at the start of their new era.

Things will not be easy at first for whoever fills the vacancy at St James’ Park. Newcastle are winless from their first nine Premier League games and are stuck in the relegation zone as a result.

But with the wealth their new owners have behind them, over time they are expected to become a force to be reckoned with.

Newcastle alternatives played down

Someone who will not be taking the job, the Northern Echo point out, is Rafael Benitez. The former Magpies manager has been linked with a return to the north east, where he was popular before.

But the Spaniard is committed to the Everton job he took up in the summer.

Another candidate to have been ruled out is Erik Ten Hag. The Ajax coach would be an interesting choice – especially if clubmate Marc Overmars becomes Newcastle’s sporting director – but is said to have “reservations” about making such a move.

Fonseca, meanwhile, remains in contention. Although, there is a feeling that the lack of an offer at present suggests Newcastle are still keen to speak to alternatives.

Favre may be the favourite now, but an appointment may come later than expected. In fact, the report suggests Jones could take charge of not only the game against Chelsea on Saturday, but also one against Brighton in early November to see them through to the international break.

That may provide the perfect window of opportunity for Newcastle to strike a deal for their preferred candidate.

READ MORE – EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle owners PIF establish £400m investment plan amid PSG talks

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