A new name has emerged in the Newcastle manager hunt that many Toon fans won’t be particularly familiar with – San Jose Earthquakes manager Matias Almeyda.
The Lowdown: Fresh name in the mix
The likes of Paulo Fonseca, Unai Emery, Roberto Martinez and Steven Gerrard are all thought to be in the frame to replace Steve Bruce on Tyneside, so it would certainly be a shock to see someone with no experience managing in Europe rock up instead.
Perhaps that is exactly what will happen though, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirming on Friday that the Magpies are scouting ‘other candidates’ after initial talks with Fonseca, and now Almeyda’s name has emerged.
The Latest: Almeyda wants to test himself
According to Italian outlet TMW, the Magpies’ new owners have ‘probed the availability’ of the former Lazio, Parma and Inter Milan defensive midfielder.
Almeyda has been in charge of MLS outfit San Jose since 2018, but the report claims he would like to challenge himself in a more competitive league.
The Verdict: One to watch
Aforementioned, the former midfield maestro has yet to test his mettle as a manager in Europe, operating in Argentina and Mexico before his move to the United States.
The 47 year-old has an impressive resume in his short time as a manager however, winning domestic league titles with his three previous clubs before San Jose – River Plate, Banfield and Guadalajara.
Well-respected transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is a huge fan, admitting earlier this year that Almeyda and fellow Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron are his favourite ever Lazio players.
He’s certainly got plenty of fire left in his belly too - he was suspended by the MLS last month for his behaviour towards an official - and perhaps this could be a name to keep an eye on as the Magpies’ manager chase heats up in the coming weeks.