Paulo Fonseca is reportedly Amanda Staveley's preferred choice of manager at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: 'Ongoing' talks

As per Craig Hope, talks are 'ongoing' between Fonseca and the St. James' Park faithful over the possibility of him becoming their next manager, and sources have said that he is 'interested' in taking the job.

It has even been reported that he already has three players in mind that he would like to sign should he be the next coach.

The Latest: Staveley's choice

According to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Fonseca is Staveley's 'preference' for the manager role in the North East, which gives him an 'advantage' over all of the other candidates in contention.

Close sources to the Tyneside club have also revealed that there is an 'optimism' that a 'quick' deal can be done, despite Graeme Jones now taking charge for the next few games on an interim basis.

The Verdict: Hire

Fonseca has been showered with praise for his coaching methods by some of his former players and other managers, while former AS Roma striker and Italian football legend Antonio Cassano claimed that he did an 'exceptional' job at his former club (Football.London).

Nonetheless, he has won no fewer than nine major trophies during his managerial career so far, and boasts a very impressive tally of 1.95 points won per game in 453 matches of management (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, Fonseca is currently out of work, and so should be attainable.

In other news, find out what big manager update Keith Downie has dropped here!