Newcastle United chief executive Darren Eales has affirmed the club’s determination to retain Eddie Howe, vowing to resist any approaches from the Football Association.
Howe, 46, has emerged as a top candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as England’s manager following Southgate’s resignation.
Southgate, who had been in the role since 2016 and was five months away from the end of his contract, stepped down less than 48 hours after Spain defeated the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final.
Howe, who took charge at Newcastle in 2021, signed a new long-term contract extension in 2022 after successfully guiding the club away from relegation.
Asked if the club would fight to keep Howe in the event of an approach from the FA, Earles said: “Yes, absolutely.
“We’re on an exciting journey and, as far as we’re concerned, Eddie is the man to lead us on that.
“For us, he’s exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. That’s why we think he’s the right man for Newcastle. We love him.”
Eales said, given Howe’s long-term contract in the north east, the club would be due compensation should Howe agree to replace Southgate but there was not a “set number” in place.
England are next in action when they face the Republic of Ireland on 7 September in the Nations League.
An interim manager will be in charge if the FA are still to appoint Southgate’s successor.