Newcastle could be set to name Roberto Martinez as manager, according to The Sun.
They claim the Belgian FA are fearing the worst and believe it will be difficult to keep the Spaniard.
The report suggests Mike Ashley is determined to employ someone with Premier League experience, which has made Martinez a top target. It also claims the former Everton boss would be set for a big jump in wages if he takes over at St James’ Park.
The squad are due back for pre-season training on Thursday. Newly appointed Under-23 coach Neil Redfearn set to handle the first-team until a new manager is appointed, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.
However, it would seem fans are divided on the idea of having the Spaniard in the hot-seat. Some say he wouldn’t be their first choice, but he is at least better than many of the other possible candidates.
Some supporters took to Twitter to share their reactions to the news he is their preferred option.
One stated the Premier League should ‘just relegate us’ whilst another felt ‘I would welcome Martinez’ to be Newcastle’s manager.
#NUFC will go all out to make Roberto Martinez their new manager as the Belgian FA prepare for a formal approach. [@mcgrathmike]
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) July 2, 2019
Jesus wept, I didn’t think today could get worse. Can the PL please just relegate us now and not waste everyone’s time
— Matthew (@JB4t00n) July 2, 2019
I would welcome Martinez at #NUFC
— Eric Gibbon (@EricGibbon) July 2, 2019
Not a chance
— AaronGittins (@aarongittins2) July 2, 2019
Not sure what’s worse, the fact we’re going for him, or the fact we won’t get him… can see this being a dragged out scenario all summer, like one long transfer deadline day, which finishes with a “we tried to get him over the line but just couldn’t manage it”
— Paul Marshall (@PaulMarshall1) July 2, 2019
That would be an excellent choice but its never gonna happen just like the takeover
— michael forster (@foschops) July 2, 2019
Not gonna happen too good for us
— Anthony (@Anthony_N__) July 2, 2019
He isn’t bad, but he’s not close to as good as Rafa who struggled to keep us up. Since then we have lost 25+ goal contributions, and from what I remember his transfer record is questionable.
— Matthew (@JB4t00n) July 2, 2019
Martinez isn’t bad. He’s not a yes man though either. I doubt he will drop managing one of the best teams in the world currently for us considering the state of affairs and lack of control. We’re more likely to get a sock puppet as manager. But hey if I’m wrong, I’m wrong.
— Franimal (@franmolloy11) July 2, 2019