The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh has rubbished claims that Antonio Conte could be installed as Newcastle United's next manager.
A winless start to the season resulted in Steve Bruce's reign coming to an end yesterday, with the 60-year-old departing by mutual consent.
What's the latest news involving Newcastle's managerial hunt?
Following a £305million takeover, which was completed earlier this month, new Magpies chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will play a key role in selecting who will lead the Tyneside club into a new era.
Bruce has departed St James' Park having won just 29 of his 97 games in charge and, having become the richest club in the world, Newcastle's new owners will be seeking a more successful win ratio from his successor.
Among those to have been touted as a potential target is Conte, who would certainly bring a winning mentality to Newcastle having won six league titles during spells in charge of Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bari.
The 52-year-old has also won 306 of his 518 matches in management and is currently without a job having left Inter days after being crowned last season's Serie A champions.
However, it appears the Magpies could already face a stumbling block if they are looking to appoint Conte as reports suggest the Italian is likely to reject any advances from Newcastle.
What has Chris Waugh said about Conte?
Waugh is certain Conte will not be drafted in as Bruce's replacement at St James' Park.
He told GIVEMESPORT: "The likes of Antonio Conte have been linked, but Newcastle are just not in a position to be going for a manager like him.
Tottenham RUIN the party on Tyneside! Newcastle 2-3 Spurs - Full reaction on The Football Terrace...
"Antonio Conte is the sort of manager who takes you from fifth to first. He's not the sort of manager who takes you from 19th to eighth and Newcastle, for now, have to think about staying in the Premier League before gradually trying to break into the top 10, never mind considering silverware.
"The stated goal is five to 10 years to win the Premier League but, for the next two or three years, they need to get into the top half of the table.
"That means there needs to be a manager who will build gradually and really improve the team. I don't think someone like Antonio Conte fits that profile."
Who else has been linked with the Newcastle job?
Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has emerged as a contender, while Belgium chief Roberto Martinez and Villarreal's ex-Arsenal head coach Unai Emery have also been name-checked as possible candidates.
Separate reports have claimed Brighton & Hove Albion chief Graham Potter is in the frame to take over the managerial reins.
Graeme Jones, who was a member of Bruce's backroom staff, has been placed in interim charge of the Magpies.