Chelsea make surprise move for Premier League manager who would get big pay rise | Football | Sport

Chelsea have made an unexpected approach to sound out Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe about becoming their new manager. Enzo Maresca was dismissed by the Stamford Bridge outfit on New Year’s Day after an 18-month tenure, with Strasbourg’s head coach Liam Rosenior emerging as the main candidate for the role.

However, behind-the-scenes moves have been made by the Blues to approach Howe, who is a hero in Newcastle after breaking a 70-year domestic trophy drought by securing the Carabao Cup last season. The former Bournemouth manager, known for his calming influence, is held in high esteem within the Stamford Bridge boardroom and is seen as the ideal successor to Maresca.

Howe has guided Newcastle from the lower echelons of the Premier League to Champions League qualification, and he is also being considered for the future England manager role. Despite previous frustrations over unproductive transfer windows at St James’ Park, he is expected to receive backing this month.

At Chelsea, however, he could anticipate more freedom to spend. While Chelsea would offer Howe a significant pay rise, it would still be surprising if he were to leave the Magpies mid-season given his loyalty to their project.

News of Chelsea’s talks with Howe’s representatives will undoubtedly concern the Toon Army’s hierarchy, who are staunch supporters of their manager despite their struggles this season.

Howe admitted last month that he may not be in the Newcastle hotseat when the club eventually unveil either a new stadium or a new training ground. Howe still has at least three years on his contract and said: “It (messaging) is important, but there are other things that are important – it has to be right.

“If there is extra time taken to make the right decisions, and I’m not across the day-to-day decision-making process, so the stadium project is correct and it’s the right one for Newcastle for however many years the club are there, then take the extra time.

“It’s the same with the training ground. You need the right site and designs. I would rather it was correct than rushed. I know there’s a 99.9 per cent chance that I’m not going to see either in my position, but I’m still passionate about making sure it’s there for the future generations of Newcastle, whether that’s supporters or players.”