Eddie Howe is the "most underwhelming" candidate still in the running to become Newcastle United's next manager, according to Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy.
The Magpies have been searching for a new boss since mutually agreeing to part ways with head coach Steve Bruce last month.
What's the latest news involving Howe and Newcastle?
The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Villarreal boss Unai Emery is the leading contender to become the Tyneside club's new boss, with Eddie Howe being the only other applicant still in with a chance of taking over at St James' Park.
The update comes after it was initially thought that Howe was on a three-man shortlist compiled by Newcastle's new owners, following their £305million takeover last month, which also included Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre.
Emery, 49, has Premier League experience having managed Arsenal 78 times before his Emirates Stadium reign came to an end two years ago.
He is currently at the helm of Spanish side Villarreal, where he enjoyed Europa League glory last season.
Meanwhile, 43-year-old Howe has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth last year.
What has Liam Kennedy said about the situation?
A host of big names have been linked with the vacancy since Bruce's exit, with the likes of Antonio Conte and Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez name-checked.
Kennedy believes appointing Howe would fail to excite the Newcastle fans as the club moves into a new era.
However, he warns that Magpies supporters should be grateful to have seen Bruce leave St James' Park.
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The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "I think, of the candidates, Eddie Howe would probably be the most underwhelming that people would see.
"But what I would suggest to people is that I think anything other than Steve Bruce is an upgrade."
Why is Howe in the running to replace Bruce?
Howe has an impressive managerial record, having won 230 of the 544 matches he has been in charge of previous employers Bournemouth and Burnley.
He took Bournemouth from the brink of oblivion, with them staring up to the huge possibility of relegation to non-league football, to the Premier League during two spells at the helm of the south coast club.
A huge plus point from Newcastle's point of view is that, with Howe currently being out of work, they would not need to pay a compensation fee to secure his services.
Howe was the frontrunner to take charge of Scottish giants Celtic during the summer before talks broke down.