Blackburn Rovers to make huge managerial call with former Newcastle United star before FA Cup clash

Blackburn Rovers are set to axe Jon Dahl Tomasson ahead of their FA Cup clash with Newcastle United, according to reports.

The Magpies travel to Ewood Park later this month aiming to book a spot in the FA Cup quarter-final - a feat they have managed just once in 22 years. Still reeling from Carabao Cup heartbreak last season, Newcastle are using that Manchester United defeat as fuel for another potential Wembley run.

Wins over Sunderland and Fulham have earned Eddie Howe’s side a trip to Championship opposition in the fifth round. Rovers are struggling in the second tier, winning just one from their last 11 league games.

A 2-1 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers was met with boos and left Blackburn sitting 18th - just five points above the relegation zone. Various sources are now claiming Tomasson - a former Newcastle player - is set to face the chop.

Astonishing reports earlier today suggested the Dane offered to quit Rovers after they failed to land United States international Duncan McGuire from MLS Orlando City because of an administrative error. Blackburn failed to submit paperwork before Thursday’s 11pm deadline - an identical situation to a year ago when they tried to land Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest.

Tomasson arrived 20 months ago and has watched on as most of his best players have been sold. He is reportedly frustrated with the lack of clarity at Ewood Park as the club’s unpopular Venky’s ownership fight legal battles in India.

Ex-Toon striker Tomasson, who proved a flop at St James’ Park during his season-long stint, may have that decision taken from him. But the official club stance is that he will remain in charge - for now - and could be on the touchline for their clash against Stoke City on Saturday.