Newcastle set to appoint Eddie Howe as their new head coach on two-and-a-half-year deal

Eddie Howe has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal in principle to become Newcastle's head coach.

The 43-year-old has been out of a job since leaving Bournemouth following their relegation from the Premier League two seasons ago.

But after talks progressed on Thursday, Howe is set to be confirmed as the first managerial appointment of Newcastle's Saudi-led regime.

We understand he would also have been the man the previous ownership turned to had Steve Bruce been sacked on their watch. Lee Charnley - the managing director who remains at the club - is thought to have supported Howe's cause in light of the takeover.

His name did not have the backing of all members close to the new consortium when first floated four weeks ago, but Amanda Staveley was always keen to speak with Howe and he was interviewed last week.

However, he thought he had missed out on the role when Villarreal’s Unai Emery emerged as the preferred candidate over the weekend.

The Spaniard’s advisers - including his brother, Igor - were in the UK this week in anticipation of his unveiling ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brighton on Saturday. But when Emery performed a U-turn late on Tuesday night, attention returned to Howe.

Some of his former Bournemouth players in the Newcastle dressing-room had already communicated their support for their old boss to Staveley.

Howe also impressed during his interview by outlining his vision for immediate improvement, with Newcastle winless and 19th in the Premier League.

It is thought he shared the view of the hierarchy that fitness levels and organisation could be better, and that the current squad is performing way below its capabilities after a 10-match winless start.

Howe is happy to work alongside current interim boss Graeme Jones and is expected to add coaches Stephen Perches, Jason Tindall and Simon Weatherstone to his backroom.

It is likely that Jones will still lead the team at Brighton after a full week of preparation, but Howe will be in the stands at least should a deal be signed off on Friday.