EDDIE Howe has agreed in principle a deal to become the next Newcastle manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract, according to reports.

It is understood Unai Emery and Howe were the names which appeared at the top of a whittled-down shortlist, after a series of soundings had been taken by Amanda Staveley’s largely Saudi-backed consortium.

Former Arsenal manager Emery ruled himself out of the job yesterday.

Ex-Cherries boss Howe impressed during initial talks and is reportedly set to agree a deal on Tyneside.

Newcastle assistant manager Graeme Jones, a former coach at Cherries under Jason Tindall, was placed in temporary charge when Steve Bruce left the club by mutual consent on October 20.

He has since presided over a 1-1 Premier League draw at Crystal Palace and a 3-0 home defeat by leaders Chelsea.

Jones has once again been asked to take Friday’s pre-match press conference, although it remains to be seen how much longer he remains at the helm.

Howe has been out of the game since leaving his role at Cherries by mutual consent in August last year.

The legendary former Cherries boss propelled the Dorset club from League Two to the Premier League over two spells.

Sky Sports are reporting former Cherries boss Jason Tindall, Howe’s previous assistant is wanted to join him in the north east, as well as coaches Stephen Purches and Simon Weatherstone.