CHERRIES legend Eddie Howe is seen as an "alternative option" to become Newcastle United's next boss, according to a report in The Athletic.

The Magpies are on the lookout for a new boss following the departure of Steve Bruce last month.

Newcastle, still without a Premier League win all season, currently have former Cherries coach Graeme Jones in caretaker charge.

But they appear to be stepping up their search for a new permanent successor to Bruce, following Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Chelsea.

The Athletic say former Arsenal head coach and current Villarreal boss Unai Emery has emerged as the "leading contender", with Howe the other name on a shortlist which has now been narrowed down to just two.

Unlike Emery, Howe is currently without a club since leaving Cherries in August 2020, following relegation from the Premier League.

Should Howe make the move to Tyneside, he would immediately link up with a host of his former players such as Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Matt Ritchie.

Newcastle were last month taken over by Saudi-Arabian backed PIF, who bought the club from Mike Ashley.