Report: Newcastle-linked manager pulls out of event speech at last minute, as Toon owners step up search

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The Daily Star say Paulo Fonseca has pulled out of an event speech at the last minute, with Newcastle’s owners reportedly stepping up their search.

Fonseca, 48, has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle. The Portuguese gaffer appears to be the favourite at the moment.

Lucien Favre, Eddie Howe, Roberto Martinez and others have been touted for the role. But Fonseca has held talks and is likely to get the nod.

Newcastle are expected to finally make a decision this week. That is, after giving interim boss Graeme Jones the reigns for the last two games.

But Jones was only scheduled to manage the Toon against Palace and Chelsea. A new gaffer could be in the dugout when Newcastle play Brighton.

Fonseca to Newcastle: New update, as Portuguese gaffer cancels speech

The report from the Star says Fonseca was set to speak at the Web Summit Sportstrade conference in Lisbon on Tuesday – but has cancelled.

It comes after a report from the Chronicle hints sources from the new ownership had told them that “positive change” was close to arriving.

Tottenham have identified Antonio Conte as the man to take them forward. That has given Newcastle a seemingly free run at Fonseca.

It appears the two could be about to come to an arrangement. Especially if Fonseca’s decision to cancel is due to his arrival on Tyneside.