Eddie Howe is in the running to become Newcastle United's new manager after holding talks over the job, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
The Magpies are currently without a boss after head coach Steve Bruce departed by mutual consent yesterday.
What's the latest news involving Newcastle and Howe?
Newcastle have endured a winless start to the season and Bruce has exited St James' Park having won just 29 of his 97 matches in charge.
Reports suggest the Magpies' new owners, who took control of the club following a takeover worth £305million earlier this month, have already whittled their shortlist of targets down to three men - Howe, Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre.
Howe offers plenty of Premier League experience, having managed Bournemouth 190 times in the top flight.
The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Cherries by mutual consent 14 months ago, but he was the frontrunner to take charge of Scottish giants Celtic before talks broke down in the summer.
Howe, who also spent more than a year at the Burnley helm a decade ago, boasts a 42 per cent win rate ahead of potentially returning to the dugout.
What has Liam Kennedy said about Howe?
Kennedy believes Howe is in with a chance of returning to management at St James' Park.
The Magpies correspondent is aware of talks taking place between the new hierarchy and the former Bournemouth chief.
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Kennedy has also hinted conversations began before Bruce's departure was confirmed.
But the owners have yet to make a final decision on who will be Bruce's successor.
Kennedy told GIVEMESPORT: "Eddie Howe is someone who has been spoken to. I know that's been going on for a little while."
Who else has been linked with the St James' Park job?
Speculation has been rife since Mike Ashley's 14-year reign came to an end a matter of weeks ago.
Like Howe, Fonseca has reportedly already held talks with the Magpies, while Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard remain under consideration.
Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and former Arsenal chief Unai Emery, who is now in the Villarreal hotseat, are thought to be potential candidates as well.
Reports suggest Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter is also in the frame to lead the Magpies in a new era.
However, it is understood that former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus head coach Antonio Conte would turn down any advances should he be approached over the vacancy.