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Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira has been added to the shortlist for the job as Manager at St. James’ Park.
Interviews for the Geordie hot-seat will begin this week with the 38 year old Vieira, who is currently the manager of Manchester City’s Under-21’s, expressing a desire to test himself in the Premier League.
The Frenchman, won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during a nine year spell at Arsenal before moving to Italian giants Juventus in 2005, was also a World Cup winner with France in 1998. He returned to the Premier League in 2010, helping Manchester City to win the FA Cup in 2011 before retiring two months later.
If appointed, Vieira, who turns 39 on 23 June, will become the fourth youngest Premier League manager currently serving next season. His lack of top-flight managerial experience could be an issue to being successful.
Newcastle have been without a permanent manager since January when Alan Pardew joined Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, leaving John Carver to take over in a caretaker role.
There are three other candidates said to be hopeful, which include; Steve McClaren, who was sacked by Derby County last week after finishing 8th in the Championship and failing to gain promotion to the Premier League for the Rams. Caretaker manager, John Carver, who was previously the assistant to former boss Alan Pardew, and saved the Toon Army from relegation on the last day of the season. Former Lyon manager and Arsenal player Remi Garde is believed to be another candidate.
Chairman Mike Ashley is hoping to make an appointment within the next fortnight and turn Newcastle’s fortunes around next season after finishing 15th in 2014/15.
