Newcastle reportedly eyeing midfielder is surely a hint that Toon want manager – TBR View

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Donny van de Beek is the latest player to emerge as a reported target for Newcastle United this summer as The Toon look to rival Everton for the Ajax midfielder – but could signing the Dutch star prove to be a play for a certain manager?

French outlet Le10Sport claim that both Newcastle and Everton want to sign the 23-year-old, who has continued to shine for Ajax this season – having a hand in 21 goals during 37 league and cup appearances for Ajax.

A failed move to Real Madrid has seen van de Beek’s future come under the microscope again this summer and with Newcastle set to spend big in the summer after a reportedly imminent takeover, the nine-time Netherlands international could be a target.

But could the reported interest in van de Beek suggest Newcastle are already pursuing players that a certain managerial target has previously eyed – in a bid to lure said manager to Tyneside? Indeed, Newcastle are reportedly keen on Mauricio Pochettino.

ESPN state that Newcastle are also after Rafa Benitez, Lucien Favre and Max Allegri while Luciano Spalletti has also been linked. But the report also states Pochettino is being eyed, with the Argentine out of work since being sacked by Tottenham.

Throughout his entire spell at Tottenham, Pochettino was keen to bring van de Beek to north London. The Dutch ace even scored against Tottenham in the Champions League last season, rubbing Pochettino’s face in the failure to sign him.

Pochettino is such an admirer that he once told Spanish outlet El Pais: “Central to the Ajax operation is van de Beek. I like very him much. They have a young player, from the academy, in each line, that shows what the team is.”

The Sun claim Spurs were interested under Pochettino, however a £45million deal was never agreed. But with Newcastle looking to sign the midfielder, surely that is a sign that the Toon’s potential new owners are looking to tempt Pochettino into a move, by landing one of his long-term Spurs targets?

With van de Beek at Newcastle, Pochettino may be much more tempted to replace Steve Bruce on Tyneside.