Eddie Howe is now the bookies' favourite to land the Newcastle job after Unai Emery rejected the chance to lead the team into a new era under their Saudi-led owners.
Emery held talks over taking over at St James' Park and was interested in the role but has made a U-turn - putting out a statement declaring he is happy at Villarreal - forcing Newcastle to look elsewhere.
And former Bournemouth boss Howe looks to be leading the way, with Betfair backing him as the 8/15 favourite. He has been without a club since departing the Vitality Stadium in 2020 following the Cherries' relegation.