Keith Downie has revealed that talks between Newcastle United and Eddie Howe over the manager's position are 'close' to completion on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The Lowdown: Changes on Tyneside

In what is a perfect example of how fast things move in football, The Athletic reported just a couple of days ago that Unai Emery was the 'leading contender' to take over at St. James' Park, with Howe named as the 'alternative' to the former Arsenal boss.

The Spaniard has since rejected the chance to manage in the North East in favour of staying at Villarreal, meaning that Howe is now the favourite for the role.

Names like Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard have also been thrown about by some reporters, but it certainly seems like the former Bournemouth boss is the next man up.

The Latest: Howe deal nearly complete

Taking to his official Twitter page, Sky Sports journalist Downie shared reports coming in on Thursday evening that a deal is close.

"Eddie Howe is close to taking over at Newcastle," he relayed on his personal Twitter account from Sky colleague Mark McAdam.

Downie confirmed there is a 2.5-year deal "agreement in principle" before revealing the four coaches Howe is demanding arrive with him: "Howe wants to bring his backroom team of Jason Tindall (assistant), Simon Weatherstone & Stephen Purchess (coaches) and Dan Hodges (sports science) with him to Newcastle. Graeme Jones set to remain at the club."

The Verdict: Get it done ASAP

With the Magpies currently locked in a relegation battle, they need to bring in a new coach, and fast.

Howe has the experience of fighting down at the bottom of the Premier League table, and although he did bring AFC Bournemouth back down to the Championship after five straight campaigns in the top flight (Transfermarkt), the route he took to get them up to the division in the first place should not be sniffed at.

Known for playing attractive football as well, he should get the Toon Army up off of their seats and, given the minimal resources available on the South coast, fans should certainly be excited about what he may be able to produce with the new owners' riches.

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Howe has been labelled as 'fantastic' by Graham Potter in the build-up to this weekend's clash with Brighton, and fans surely cannot wait to finally put an end to the chaos in the dugout.

In other news, find out which 'amazing' manager has not been ruled out for the NUFC job here!