Magpies set to splash the cash on new boss Emery
UNAI EMERY is poised to demand a contract worth £7million a year to become Newcastle’s highest-paid boss.
He is the front-runner to succeed Steve Bruce and the club’s Saudi owners hope to have the Spaniard in the dugout for the trip to Brighton on Saturday.
But there is work to be done and a three-year contract yet to be agreed, with further talks due in the next couple of days.
Emery’s club Villarreal are powerless if Newcastle trigger a £6 m release clause.
Villarreal president Fernando Roig tried to quash speculation by saying: “Emery is very happy here. I am sure that his mind is not drifting elsewhere.
“Unai has a contract with us. It is not a Villarreal decision and when it is not aVillarreal decision, contracts are there to be fulfilled.”
But the Magpies have opted for Emery, who turns 50 today, after a thorough interview process, and believe they can land the four-time Europa League winner.
Newcastle feel he can have a short and long-term impact. They are in desperate need of a revival, without a win in 10 league games.
Emery faces a huge job with the team six points from safety.
On Monday, he was keeping quiet, insisting: “I don’t know anything about Newcastle”.
Emery had a disappointing spell at Arsenal, leading to his sacking two years ago.
But he won the Europa League three years in a row at Sevilla, was a beaten finalist with Arsenal and lifted the French title and four cups at Paris Saint-Germain.
Toon coach Graeme Jones is likely to stay on in some capacity but the backroom staff are worried about their jobs after indications there will be an overhaul.
Newcastle have become one of the richest clubs in the world since the Public Investment Fund bought them for £305m from Mike Ashley and cash will be made available for Emery to strengthen in January.