NEWCASTLE IN TOUCH WITH EX-ROMA BOSS FONSECA

the media this afternoon and, even though sources could not confirm if he would still be in charge for the Spurs game, it appears likely he will remain for the time being. Sportsmail has been told that Newcastle’s new ownership model — led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and headed on Tyneside by Amanda Staveley — is ‘process driven’ and will be ‘methodical’ in its approach. However, sources say it would be wrong to accuse the consortium of ‘indecision’ and it is more a case of them doing things ‘properly’, suggesting the situation is a delay as opposed to a change of heart. Bruce met with Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi at the training ground on Monday and had expected more contact as the week went on. But, as of last night, he remained in the dark over his future and the exact terms of his anticipated exit with an £8million payoff are yet to be negotiated. The board’s football adviser, former Liverpool chief scout Frank McParland, has been in at the club this week and is leading the search for Bruce’s replacement. We have learned that former Arsenal boss Unai Emery and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez are among a host of names who have formed part of discussions, but both are said to have reservations. Another name which is being pushed is that of ex-Roma boss Paulo Fonseca. Sources say there are concerns given he apparently interviewed poorly at Spurs in the summer, but it is understood some conversations have taken place between the two parties in recent days.