Newcastle Exclusive: Pundit reveals how Pochettino will react to offer to replace Bruce

Kevin Phillips has tipped Mauricio Pochettino to turn down the Newcastle United manager's job in favour of a club that is already challenging for silverware.

The former Sunderland and Southampton striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested the Argentine will not want to take on another project having just left Tottenham.

Pochettino was sacked by Spurs in November having spent five and a half years at the club but failed to win any silverware.

A second-place finish in the Premier League and a runner up medal in last season Champions League final were the closest the Lilywhites came to a trophy during his tenure.

As revealed by Football Insider, the prospective new owners want a "world-beater" manager to replace Steve Bruce at St. James Park ahead of next season.

According to ESPN, Pochettino is the preferred candidate with Massimiliano Allegri, Rafael Benitez and Lucien Favre also under consideration.

When asked by Football Insider if the 48-year-old would be interested in the position, Phillips said: "If you throw enough money at someone they find it hard to turn down. There is also the size of the club and the supporters.

"Pochettino struggled to win something at Tottenham and Newcastle have not won something in a long, long, long time. I do not think that would be the right fit for him.

"I imagine he will want to go somewhere where he can win trophies. Newcastle might be that team if enough money is thrown at it but it is not a quick fix.

"It is a three-year project and Pochettino already had that at Tottenham.

"He will want to go to a club where he is challenging straight away."

Football Insider has learned that Pochettino is interested in talking to the prospective new owners if and when the takeover is completed.

The PCP Partners are in the latter stages of a £300million takeover as the Premier League work on ratifying the necessary paperwork to finalise the deal.

In other Newcastle United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider Magpies are capable of buying PL superstar this summer.