Liam Kennedy has named Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard as two alternative candidates who may now come into Newcastle United's thinking as their search for a Steve Bruce replacement goes on.
The Lowdown: Howe likely?
As per Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, talks are now ongoing between Eddie Howe and the St. James's Park faithful over the vacant manager's position, currently being held by Graeme Jones on an interim basis.
He adds that the former AFC Bournemouth boss is under 'serious consideration' following Unai Emery's rejection yesterday.
Howe has even held talks with the North East club over the role before the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was completed, suggesting that he should be considered one of if not the favourite for the job.
The Latest: Don't rule out other managers
Writing in his latest piece for Newcastle World, Kennedy has now revealed that Benitez and Gerrard could come into the thinking of the Tyneside outfit, although different problems would arise if an attempt to appoint either came to fruition.
Of course, they are both currently in jobs at the moment, with Benitez at Everton and Gerrard at Rangers respectively, but the former only took charge at Goodison Park in the summer and already has a huge connection with Tyneside.
Emery has previously gushed over what a 'very good' coach Benitez is, revealing he actually looks up to his compatriot as a reference point for his own career (Chronicle Live).
The Verdict: Benitez is the one
While Gerrard has no doubt done a great job at Ibrox, having led them to the Scottish Premiership title last season at the expense of their bitter rivals Celtic, he is relatively inexperienced as a manager, compared to someone like Benitez, who has more than 1000 games under his belt.
Thus, the job at the Toon, especially how big it is with regards to trying to keep them from getting relegated down to the Championship, may be too big for him at this stage in his managerial career.
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On the other hand, Benitez is still idolised by NUFC fans and players alike - Lewis Cass called him 'amazing' for the faith he shows in youngsters - after bringing them straight back up from the Championship in first place after relegation, and then finishing in the top half of the table in their first campaign back in the top flight (Transfermarkt).
He would certainly be a more popular and eye-catching appointment with the supporters, but it may also be very difficult to lure him away from the Toffees at this early stage of his time there.