Eddie Howe is reportedly in 'shock' talks with Newcastle United over potentially replacing Steve Bruce as their next manager.

The Lowdown: Bruce leaves

As was expected, Bruce has now left his role as manager at St. James' Park, as confirmed by the North East club on Wednesday.

Graeme Jones will now take temporary charge of the side, with their next game away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Latest: Howe discussions

As per The Daily Mirror, Howe is currently in discussions with the Tyneside outfit about the manager job, something which they describe as a 'shock name' to emerge amongst the candidates.

Still out of work after leaving AFC Bournemouth, he was strongly linked with Celtic during the summer, but eventually rejected a move to Glasgow.

The Verdict: Short-term yes, long-term no

Howe could be the perfect manager to come in in the short-term, perhaps until the end of the season, as the Magpies are still in a relegation battle.

Of course, he has faced these situations before with the Cherries, and survived five seasons in the Premier League after coming all the way up from League Two (Transfermarkt).

The great Sir Alex Ferguson loves him, gushing over his abilities, and one of his former players, Marvin Bartley, has previously dubbed him a ‘fantastic’ coach, so there are certainly positive signs there.

However, the new owners will want to go for a bigger name for the long-term in order to attract the biggest and best names to the Toon, with the likes of Diego Simeone recently being linked.

In other news, find out who is now keen on the NUFC job here!