If Manchester United fans believed that Mauricio Pochettino was going to be the man to lead them back to greatness next season, they will be sorely disappointed when they find out he might not join the Red Devils after all.
The Argentine boss came close to join the Red Devils before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's surge that propeled the team to fifth place in the Premier League. Now, the unemployed boss is reportedly in advanced talks to go back to the English top-flight, this time as Newcastle's new manager.
According to an article by Le10Sport, Pochettino is the first name on Mohammed Bin Salman's shortlist to replace Steve Bruce as soon as his takeover of the Magpies is approved by Premier League officers. The same report adds that Pochettino became the first option ahead of Rafa Benítez, who seemed as the favorite to land the job.
Bin Salman's $370M offer to buy Newcastle is set to be approved in the next couple of weeks, and negotiations with Pochettino to start preparing the club for a new era are reportedly at an advanced stage.
Pochettino became Tottenham Hotspur's boss in 2014, leading the team to its first UEFA Champions League final last year. He won 63% of the points he played for with Spurs, and while he failed to win any titles with the club, he is widely referred to as one of the best coaches in the world, and having an open checkbook may just be what he needs to lead the Magpies to the Premier League title.
Newcastle is expected to let Steve Bruce leave the club even if he has managed to steer the black and white side away from relegation spots. Bruce's deal at St James' Park ends in 2022, but his recent work may see him landing one more gig if the new owners give him the boot.
