Steve Bruce’s departure was only a matter of time once the takeover of Newcastle happened earlier this month and the Geordie left the club earlier today through mutual consent and an £8m payoff.

 

Lucien Favre is reportedly the favourites to become the next Newcastle boss and the club are also considering candidates such as Eddie Howe and Paulo Fonseca.

 

 

Fjortoft claimed that Newcastle are assessing up to six names on their shortlist but the discussions are now centred upon whether they want to bring in someone for the long term or a manager who will help them to survive in the Premier League this season.

 

He stressed that if Premier League survival becomes the key element in their decision making, Howe could emerge as the real contender to become the next manager at St. James’ Park.

 

 

The former striker took to Twitter and wrote: “I understand Newcastle has ‘3-6 candidates’.

 

“I know 3 of them: Lucien Favre, Eddie Howe and Paolo Fonseca

 

 

“The discussion now is if they go for a manager long term or a manager whose main target is to secure their place in the Premier League.

 

“If the latter: Howe has great cards.”

 

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has also been heavily linked with the Newcastle job along with former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.