Newcastle United are now considering hiring Eddie Howe as a replacement for Steve Bruce, says Liam Kennedy.

The Lowdown: Bruce set for the axe

As per Kennedy, Bruce now looks set to be axed by the St. James' Park faithful after the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium officially went through.

His position will be one of the first things addressed by the new owners, and although no rash decision is set to be taken, it is recognised that his position has become very precarious in recent times.

The Latest: Howe considered

Writing in his latest piece for Newcastle World, Kennedy has revealed that Howe is now being considered for the manager's job once Bruce departs.

He has been out of work since leaving AFC Bournemouth at the back end of last season, and so talks should be easier on that front, with no negotiations with a club to worry about.

The Verdict: Could do better

There is no doubt that Howe is a good manager, in fact that is what legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson thinks of him, but his name would likely not excite the Toon Army as much as a Paulo Fonseca or Steven Gerrard, who the North East club have also reportedly been linked with recently.

Described as a 'fantastic' coach by one of his former players, Marvin Bartley, Howe has been a success in the lower leagues, guiding the Cherries all the way up to the Premier League from League Two, where they stayed for five straight campaigns under him (Transfermarkt).

However, with the abundance of riches that the next manager on Tyneside is going to have, the job may be too big for him, given that £25.2m is the most that he has spent on any player before.

Nonetheless, he is a good option, but the Magpies should be looking elsewhere for now.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now coveting as their next manager here!