Possible Newcastle United Eddie Howe replacement 'revealed' as Barcelona and Real Madrid challenger

Girona boss Michel Sanchez is being targeted as a potential candidate to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United, according to reports.

Spanish outlet Marca claim Toon chiefs are considering an approach for the 48-year-old should they sack Howe in the coming weeks. The overwhelming majority of Newcastle supporters remain firmly behind the current manager but seven defeats in eight games across all competitions has stoked concern.

A rotten injury run has led to a downturn of form, with the Magpies also exiting the Carabao Cup and Champions League in recent weeks. Newcastle travel to bitter rivals Sunderland for a huge FA Cup showdown this weekend and another defeat could result in sentiment shifting among supporters.

Bookmakers rank Howe third in the sack race, behind Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. Given their new-found riches, Newcastle would prove one of the most attractive gigs in European football.

The report from Marca suggests the Magpies rate Michel highly and would consider him as a possible Howe replacement. Girona have enjoyed a transformative couple of years since the Spaniard took charge in 2021.

Michel earned promotion to La Liga in his first season before consolidating their top-flight status by finishing 10th the following year. The Catalan outfit are now upsetting the apple cart, going head-to-head with juggernauts Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.

A stunning 4-3 win over Atletico Madrid moved them joint top of the division - and a staggering 10 points above Diego Simeone’s side in third place. Girona are set to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu for a mammoth top-of-the-table clash next month.