Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Massimiliano Allegri becoming the next Newcastle manager as the club's £350million takeover moves closer to completion.
The Italian left Juventus at the end of last season and has been out of work since, despite being linked with a host of teams across Europe.
Magpies' owner Mike Ashley is in talks with a group led by Amanda Staveley to sell the club after 13 years at St James'.
Prospective buyers are thought to want a big name to takeover from current boss Steve Bruce
And the ambitious prospective buyers are thought to want a big name to replace current manager Steve Bruce.