Report: Andre Villas-Boas emerges as potential option for Newcastle

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French outlet Foot Mercato claim Newcastle United have added Marseille manager and former Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas to their shortlist, as Steve Bruce’s future remains in doubt given the impending takeover.

A takeover is believed to be announced in the coming days with Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers having until the middle of May in terms of exclusivity.

With the aim to get into European competition sooner rather than later, the new owners are said to want a manager capable of reaching their aspirations. Mauricio Pochettino remains first choice, but the latest report has outlined a plan B and a plan C.

Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre is second choice, with German media touting potential replacements for the 62-year-old. A new name has now been linked as a plan C, in the form of Marseille manager Villas-Boas.

The 42-year-old has managed twice in England, taking over at Chelsea for 40 matches and Tottenham for double that. He has also managed in China, Russia and Portugal, winning the Russian and Portuguese league titles.

TBR’s view – Could Villas-Boas take Newcastle forward?

Loved by Marseille fans and adored by those at Porto and Zenit after winning the league with both teams, Villas-Boas is a manager renowned for being somewhat of a tactician but also a strong man-manager.

Perhaps not the best in the transfer window, Villas-Boas certainly would have all the tools and Premier League experience. But Jermain Jenas once told BBCR5L – as per Joe – that he made the Tottenham squad unhappy.

“A lot of the players wasn’t happy with how he did things at times, but I think a lot of it was down to that kind of respect element and having an understanding of where he came from, Andre Villas-Boas,” Jenas said. One to avoid, then.