Luke Edwards has revealed that Arsene Wenger is a contender to be the next manager at Newcastle United after Steve Bruce is expectedly sacked.

The Lowdown: Bruce still in charge?!

It was widely reported by the media that Bruce was going to be sacked before their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, but he will now take charge of his 1000th match as a manager (Sky Sports).

Nonetheless, it could well be nothing more than a token gesture by the Kingdom of Saud Arabia (KSA) consortium, who may still look to bring someone else in after.

The Latest: Wenger in contention

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, Edwards has revealed that Wenger is among a number of names that are in contention to replace Bruce once he leaves St. James' Park.

The journalist adds that he would be 'ideal' in terms of helping with other areas of development, such as the Academy, and that it would be 'foolish' to rule him out at this stage.

The Verdict: Ship has sailed

Even though Wenger has no doubt had a glittering career in management, as he won the Premier League title three times with Arsenal, including that famous 2003/04 Invincibles season (Transfermarkt), he is 71 years of age now, and so the new owners should be looking to a manager for the long-term.

Sir Alex Ferguson once dubbed him a 'phenomenal' manager despite a humiliating 8-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford over a decade ago now, but Wenger would risk tarnishing his legacy with the Gunners, the team he is very much associated with after 22 years at the North London club, should he go on manage another side in the top flight.

Nonetheless, there are younger managers available at the moment that the North East club should really be considering over Wenger.

In other news, find out which World Cup winner NUFC are moving 'behind the scenes' to sign here!