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Report: Newcastle target Fonseca as Bruce replacement

Marco Canoniero / LightRocket / Getty

Newcastle United have set their sights on former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.

The Premier League club is in advanced negotiations with the 48-year-old to replace Steve Bruce as manager, according to Louise Taylor of The Guardian.

The Portuguese manager, who also previously coached Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Porto, has been out of work since departing Roma at the end of last season after two years in charge.

He's said to be eager to work for Newcastle's new Saudi-led owners after Bruce left the Magpies by mutual consent Wednesday. Fonseca has reportedly been in contact with Newcastle officials since the summer.

But a final decision over Bruce's replacement has yet to be made, as Roberto Martínez, Frank Lampard, Lucien Favre, Steven Gerrard, and Eddie Howe are still in contention, Taylor adds.

Fonseca was previously linked with a move to take over Tottenham Hotspur before talks broke down over issues reportedly related to tax breaks. Spurs eventually appointed Nuno Espirito Santo.

Bruce's departure was announced after Newcastle fell to Tottenham on Sunday, a loss that leaves the winless Magpies second-bottom of the Premier League. The 60-year-old had been in charge since July 2019 following beloved manager Rafa Benitez's exit.

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