'There aren't many options out there' - Newcastle unimpressed by Matthias Jaissle replacements
Newcastle United are worried about the lack of top-level replacements if they sack Matthias Jaissle, sources have told Football Insider.
The 38-year-old is coming under increasing pressure at St James Park after a mixed start to his tenure, with a trip to Crystal Palace next up as he tries to arrest a poor run of form.
That has led to some calls for the manager's head, with many already insisting a change may be needed sooner rather than later due to growing concerns on the pitch.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle fear there would be a lack of clear contenders to replace Jaissle.
The board remain in support of their manager as things stand, and have no plans to sack him, but contingency plans are in place in case they are forced to pull the trigger.
Newcastle's efforts to identify a replacement have hit a roadblock, however, with fellow Premier League clubs also facing the same concerns about a lack of clear options.
What is the latest on Matthias Jaissle's future?
Football Insider revealed on 23 October that Newcastle are not planning to sack Jaissle in the near future, and will instead look to back him through a turbulent period.
The board are prepared for inconsistent results and difficulties on the pitch given their difficult summer window, and will give the manager time to turn things around.
However, should they be forced to make a change, there are now concerns about where they could go to land an immediate replacement for Jaissle.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "This is a bit of an issue for a number of clubs, probably any Premier League clubs who are considering managerial changes.
"There aren't many real options out there at the moment, there's not many top names available that you'd think, 'he would come in and do a good job' and everything else.
"Matthias Jaissle was brought in to replace Eddie Howe, and he has tough boots to fill because Howe did a remarkable job at St James' Park.
"There are contingency plans in place if the worst was to happen and they were to make a change, but Newcastle want to give Jaissle time to get things right and get his ideas across."
Which managers could be on Newcastle's radar?
Despite the board's plans to back Jaissle for the long-term future, there have already been a few names mentioned in connection with the potential vacancy at Newcastle.
While there are no immediate names that stand out who would be ready to step in at St James' Park, they could be prepared to look at managers in jobs elsewhere.
Football Insider reported on 19 October that Newcastle could offer Cesc Fabregas a route into Premier League management as he continues his ambitious project with Como.
The Serie A outfit beat Man United 4-1 in the Champions League midweek, setting tongues wagging about when the manager will eventually arrive in the Premier League.
After being linked with a number of the top jobs, most recently including Man United, there is a feeling Newcastle could move quickly to tempt Fabregas away from Como.