Newcastle United's owners have reportedly identified Roberto Mancini as a potential replacement for Eddie Howe.
Since arriving as the successor to Steve Bruce in November 2021, Howe has proven to be a huge success at St James' Park, taking the Magpies from relegation candidates to the Champions League.
However, despite securing a top-four finish in 2022-23, Newcastle have failed to build on that achievement and have instead fallen down the Premier League standings, while they failed to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.
There are reasons behind their struggles with a combination of widespread injuries, being drawn in a Champions League group of death, financial fair play issues and the unforeseen gambling suspension of Sandro Tonali.
Nevertheless, the 46-year-old's long-term future is now in doubt with Newcastle down in 10th spot in the table, 13 points adrift of the top five and seven points behind sixth-placed Manchester United.
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A 3-2 defeat to Chelsea on Monday night has also strengthened the possibility of Newcastle missing out on European football altogether, while they have been drawn away to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, that tie taking place on Saturday evening.
According to HITC, the Public Investment Fund - Newcastle's owners - have started to consider whether they should opt for a change in direction.
While no decision has been made over whether a change in the dugout will materialise, the report claims that Mancini is in contention for a return to the Premier League.
The Italian was at the helm when Man City won their first Premier League title in 2011-12, and his stock has remained high by guiding Italy to victory at Euro 2020.
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Last year, though, the 59-year-old made the surprise decision to leave his role with the Azzurri before eventually being appointed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia.
Mancini holds a contract until 2027, but his first tournament in charge ended in disappointment as Saudi Arabia lost in the last 16 of the Asian Cup, exiting on penalties to South Korea.
As it stands, Mancini is currently preparing his side for their latest batch of World Cup qualifiers, but it appears that a return to club football is not out of the question.
He last held such a position when in charge of Russian side Zenit St Petersburg until May 2018. Prior to that, Mancini had endured a trophyless second stint with Inter Milan.
Darren Plant
