A delay in appointing Newcastle United's next manager could prove fatal in their bid to remain in the Premier League, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.

The Magpies are still without a boss after mutually agreeing to part ways with head coach Steve Bruce last week.

What's the latest news involving Newcastle's manager hunt?

Newcastle are under new ownership following a £305million takeover led by the Public Investment Fund earlier this month.

Graeme Jones, who was a key member of Bruce's backroom staff before his departure, has been placed in interim charge for two matches while the consortium identifies their preferred candidate to take over the reins.

Former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, who suffered just 18 losses over the course of 139 matches at the Shakhtar Donetsk helm, has emerged as a contender for the job.

Ex-Bournemouth chief Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre are also thought to be on the shortlist of potential successors to Bruce.

Enter Giveaway

Enter Giveaway

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Newcastle are looking to persuade Erik ten Hag to quit Ajax in favour of St James' Park by making him the Premier League's third-highest paid manager.

What has Liam Kennedy said about the search for a new boss?

Newcastle are currently in the Premier League relegation zone and Kennedy believes the Magpies are sinking further into a battle against the drop by waiting longer to make a managerial appointment.

The journalist also believes Jones should not be seen as a viable long-term option to take over the reins.

Kennedy told GIVEMESPORT: "I think moseying along with with no manager for say the next month could potentially be fatal for their Premier League status. It is that close, for me anyway.

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"I think they need a manager to come in and I think they need somebody with fresh ideas who isn't there already.

"I respect Graeme Jones as a coach but, by the same token, it needs a fresh pair of eyes."

Why did Bruce's reign come to an end?

The newly in-place consortium decided to make a change in the dugout after a winless start to the season.

Bruce only managed to secure 29 wins from his 97 matches in charge of Newcastle.

The 60-year-old's departure came after 94.3 per cent of Newcastle United Supporters Trust members called for Bruce to resign.

Since his exit, Bruce has revealed in an interview with the Telegraph that he found the widespread criticism he endured throughout his reign difficult to stomach.