Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has alleged that Paulo Fonseca has been lined up to replace Steve Bruce as Newcastle United's manager.
Bruce's Magpies reign came to an end this morning, when he left St James' Park by mutual consent.
What's the latest news involving Fonseca?
Fonseca has emerged as a contender to take over the managerial reins at Newcastle, with talks expected this week.
The Magpies' new owners, who completed a takeover worth £305million earlier this month, have opted to make a change in the dugout after a winless start to the campaign has left them in the Premier League relegation zone.
Fonseca - who has bossed the likes of Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto during his career - is reportedly on a three-man shortlist which also includes Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre.
The Portuguese has been out of work since leaving Roma at the end of last season.
Should he be appointed as Bruce's successor, Fonseca would move into the hotseat having been compared to Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel by former Manchester United attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
What has Michael Bridge said about Fonseca?
Bridge is certain Newcastle were working behind the scenes to find a replacement for Bruce before the 60-year-old's exit from St James' Park had even been confirmed.
The Sky Sports journalist has been following developments from Tyneside closely and admitted his employers have zoned in on Fonseca as the leading candidate.
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Bridge has revealed the Magpies have not been interested in shutting down those reports, heightening speculation further.
He told GIVEMESPORT: "You get the impression that there is someone lined up already and that could be Fonseca.
"I could be wrong, but he's one that Newcastle have been happy for us to report today. That's not been shot down."
How has Fonseca performed at his previous clubs?
Fonseca took charge of Serie A side Roma in the summer of 2019 and went on to manage the Italian outfit 101 times, winning on 53 occasions.
The Portuguese's longest reign came at Shakhtar Donetsk, with him suffering just 18 defeats over the course of 139 matches at the helm of the Ukrainian giants.
Fonseca would certainly bring a winning mentality to St James' Park, having triumphed in more than half of the 453 fixtures he has managed so far.
The 48-year-old has also won various pieces of silverware during his time in management, including three league titles during his hugely successful stint with Shakhtar Donetsk.