Report: Mike Ashley going ‘all out’ to bring Roberto Martinez to Newcastle

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The Sun have claimed that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is going all-out to bring in Belgium boss Roberto Martinez as Rafa Benitez’s replacement at St. James’ Park this summer.

Martinez, 45, has impressed at Belgium since taking over almost three years ago in August 2016. He took the nation to third in the World Cup last summer, beating England 2-0 in the third-place play-off.

Newcastle are on the lookout for a new gaffer and Ashley is keen to bring in someone with Premier League experience. Martinez is said to fit the bill, after spells with Swansea, Everton and Wigan as manager.

His excellent record with Belgium – 28 wins in 37 matches – has seen him linked with some of Europe’s biggest jobs. Spanish outlet Sport claimed Barcelona had made contact with Martinez back in May over replace Ernesto Valverde.

Martinez is said to be earning a small wage given his success with Belgium, with the Spaniard said to be on less than £20,000 a week. If he accepts a move to Newcastle, he can expect a “huge” pay rise.

TBR’s view – Martinez a good fit for Newcastle

Yes, Martinez has the reputation of a manager that cannot avoid a relegation scrap. Newcastle fans are likely to be worried, but it must be remembered that he took Everton to fifth in 2013-14.

Similar in style to Benitez, Martinez will combine defensive reliability with a mix of flair players – something which Benitez did well. But what Martinez will need, is backing in the transfer market.

The former Everton manager has got his career back on track in Belgium and enhanced his reputation. Now, he may feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.