Eddie Howe sack latest: O’Rourke shares update after Mourinho move

Newcastle United are not planning to sack Eddie Howe any time soon despite interest in the managerial post from Jose Mourinho, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the owners are still happy with Howe’s position as manager and have not considered any alternatives.

This comes after reports claimed that the boss is targeting the Magpies manager’s job if Howe leaves as he feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League.

Mourinho is said to be unhappy at Fenerbahce and has turned on a charm offensive for the English media to drum up interest from potential new suitors.

Following their Europa League clash with Man United, he stated: “A club at the bottom in England who needs a coach in two years, I’m ready to go,” amid frustration at UEFA.

More recently, he insisted: “Nobody wants to watch the Turkish league… Why should they see this? … It’s too grey, it’s too dark, smells bad.“

However, Newcastle are unlikely to provide a potential destination as things stand and are keen to show faith in Howe after what he has done in his time at St James’ Park.

Newcastle to back Eddie Howe amid Jose Mourinho rumours

Howe was appointed to replace Steve Bruce shorty after the PIF takeover took place in 2021 and has since managed 139 games for the Magpies.

A record of 70 wins, 30 draws and 39 losses in that time has seen him transform the side from relegation battlers to European contenders in just three years.

That transformation has earned him plenty of credit with the owners at St James’ Park, who are keen to reward and stand behind him given the job he has done.

Interest from Mourinho comes amid suggestions that the owners could be tempted to appoint a big-name manager, but while Howe is in the job, conversations will not be entertained.