Graeme Jones has been given permission by Bournemouth to speak to Newcastle United about joining Steve Bruce’s coaching staff, Sportsmail understands.
Sportsmail revealed on Friday that the Magpies were trying to bring in another coach to work alongside assistants and Stephen Clemence and Steve Agnew.
And Jones made a formal request to Bournemouth on Saturday to open official talks with the Magpies.
The 50-year-old, who was born in Gateshead, has previously worked as Roberto Martinez’s assistant, most recently with the Belgium national side.
He was appointed Luton manager in 2019 but left the club last April with the team second from bottom in the Championship.
Jones then took up a coaching role at Bournemouth under Jason Tindall last summer but now looks set to return to his native North-East.
Newcastle travel to Aston Villa on Saturday night looking to reverse a run of nine matches without victory.