NEWCASTLE UNITED WILL hold talks with Patrick Vieira and Steve McClaren this week as the club accelerate their plans to appoint a new manager.
Manchester City development coach Vieira is in contention after expressing his interest in taking over at St James’ Park, while McClaren is without a club after he was sacked by Derby County last week.
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka, who was beaten in the Championship play-off final, is also under consideration as owner Mike Ashley considers all options which includes a number of foreign-based coaches.
A Newcastle source told Goal.com: “Everyone is being considered, every stone is being turned in this quest. The club has their system in place and anyone coming in knows they have to fit within that.
“They want the new man I place this week so they can press on with reshaping the squad.”
It’s understood that John Carver, who oversaw a somewhat tumultuous end to the 2014-15 campaign that culminated in Newcastle surviving relegation on the final day, is not being considered for the permanent role.
The 50-year-old has consistently expressed his desire to take the post on a full-time basis but the Toon’s less than impressive performances in the second half of the season have meant he is out of the running.
Vieira would appear to be the fans’ favourite choice for the position, with the former Arsenal midfielder’s wealth of Premier League experience as a member of Arsene Wenger’s ’Invincibles’ side of 2003-04 of appeal to supporters.
The Frenchman has been receiving widespread praise for his work with City’s academy sides, with Vieira having guided the club’s Elite Development Squad to the International Premier League Cup trophy, where they beat Porto in the final.
McClaren, meanwhile, is also among the top candidates to take the job despite having turned down advances from the north east club on two previous occasions, at a time when Newcastle were struggling in their fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.
