Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down a new job offer as he aims to remain in the running to become the next Manchester United manager.
The former Newcastle manager is out of work after leaving St James' Park in the summer, and has been considered a strong contender for the Man Utd job with current incumbent Michael Carrick set to be sacked.
Howe's Stance on Palace
Howe was said to be the pick of director of football James Wilcox to replace Carrick, but Mauricio Pochettino is now reportedly the subject of growing broader support behind the scenes as a decision on who to appoint looms.
Despite facing a new rival for the Old Trafford job, Howe has reportedly turned down the Crystal Palace gig. Palace are expected to sack Pierre Sage after Sunday's 3-1 defeat by Liverpool left them bottom of the Premier League. Sage and Carrick are now in an unwanted race to be the first managerial departure of the top-flight campaign.
Cost of Appointment
According to The Sun, Howe has already turned down an approach from Palace, leaving Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche as leading contenders to replace Sage. It remains to be seen if Man Utd turn to Howe to save their season.
Despite leaving Newcastle by mutual consent in the summer, Howe will still cost £3 million to appoint due to an agreement with his former club. Pochettino is said to cost at least double that, not including the price to appoint his backroom staff.
United's Search
United sit 18th in the Premier League with eight points from their opening 10 matches. They have won only three games in all competitions, against Ipswich, Sabah and Roma, and have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are leading the search for Carrick's replacement, but any appointment must be approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS founder is reportedly keen on Howe, partly because of his preference for an English manager.
