Former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could be poised for a Premier League comeback, with Manchester United reportedly among those monitoring the 48-year-old head coach. Howe has remained without a position since departing St James' Park three months ago, but may find himself returning to the top flight should Michael Carrick be dismissed from his role at Old Trafford.
United monitoring Howe
The ex-Magpies boss has long attracted interest from those at Manchester United, and Fabrizio Romano suggests he features on a shortlist of prospective managers to succeed Carrick. Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler are also understood to be under consideration for United, although securing the latter would necessitate compensation to extract him from the Seagulls.
Howe's current availability could enhance his appeal, with separate reports indicating Fulham are also monitoring the former Magpies chief closely. TeamTALK suggests Howe represents a possible successor to Alvaro Arbeloa should he be removed from his post, while also reporting the former Newcastle manager declined an approach from Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens.
Waddle backs Howe return
Ex-Magpies midfielder Chris Waddle believes it's simply a question of when, not if, Howe returns to management and will be prepared for his next appointment.
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, Waddle said: "Eddie Howe did a great job at Newcastle, let's be honest. That puts him in a good position while sitting on the fence waiting for the right job to come along.
"It's a matter of who presses the panic button first. He will be heavily linked because of what he achieved at Newcastle, and rightly so.
"He plays a nice brand of football, so a lot of teams will be looking at him and thinking about when to make that move. He won't be short of offers.
"He's probably enjoying a nice break at the minute, but after a few weeks, he's probably thinking he's ready to get back into it. It just depends on who presses the panic button first in the Premier League."
