Exclusive: Chelsea make move for Eddie Howe
Chelsea have sounded out Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe about becoming their next manager, sources have told Football Insider.
The London giants are exploring the market for a replacement for Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day.
Howe, 48, is firmly on Chelsea‘s radar although it remains to be seen if he would leave Newcastle mid-season to join a club where managers have a notoriously short shelf life.
Chelsea’s interest comes at a time when Howe is being criticised by a section of Newcastle fans on social media for overseeing a mixed campaign at St James’ Park.
They are 13th in the Premier League, but are into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the third time in four years and likely need just one point from their remaining two Champions League games to reach the knockout rounds of that competition for the first time in their history.
Liam Rosenior, the Strasbourg boss, is a leading contender to succeed Maresca after his two seasons in France working for Chelsea owners BlueCo, but it is understood that Chelsea are considering alternatives to Rosenior who have proven Premier League calibre.
Howe certainly fits the bill given his extensive experience at Newcastle, who he joined in November 2021, and Bournemouth, where he spent a decade during their extraordinary rise through the divisions before establishing them as a Premier League club.
Eddie Howe on Chelsea’s radar after Enzo Maresca exit
Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge came against a backdrop of frustration with the ownership, who he felt were too involved in his decision-making.
He is not the first boss to leave Chelsea under a cloud since BlueCo’s arrival, and likely not the last, leading to questions about whether Howe would step in.
Howe is comfortable in his job at Newcastle, with no plans for him to be let go any time soon despite some speculative calls for his head from frustrated fans.
The Magpies still have ambitious plans for the future and hope he will be the one to lead them, although this is not the first time he has been linked with an exit.
Howe has long been tipped to become the next England manager, while Man United also considered him when Ruben Amorim was under increasing pressure.
Liam Rosenior update emerges in Chelsea next manager race
Despite sources confirming Chelsea plan to asses Premier League-proven bosses, Rosenior remains the leading contender to take over at Stamford Bridge.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 2 January that Rosenior is in pole position at Chelsea thanks to his relationship with BlueCo.
Meanwhile, he remains highly rated in coaching and management circles in England following his time at Hull City despite his surprising dismissal by the Tigers.
Brown first told Football Insider on 28 December that Rosenior is on Chelsea’s list of options to replace Maresca should they be forced to do so.
Following the boss’ dramatic resignation and suggestions he is being lined up for the Man City job, the Blues are now being made to act quickly to secure their next boss.
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