Aston Villa Line Up Eddie Howe as Unai Emery Faces Real Madrid and Man United Interest

Aston Villa are bracing themselves to lose manager Unai Emery this summer but are already scoping a replacement currently in charge of a Premier League club, SportsBoom can reveal. 

Emery shrugged off an unhappy stint as Arsenal boss to emerge as one of Europe’s top operators for the work he has done with the West Midlands club.

But with that excellence comes with other clubs casting envious eyes in the direction of the Spaniard.

Real Madrid have the one-time Villareal and Sevilla boss as their prime target to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa.

Manchester United are also looking at making the 54-year-old their full-time replacement for Ruben Amorim though Old Trafford insiders have told SportsBoom it is interim boss Michael Carrick’s job to lose.

So, according to Villa Park sources, the Villans are closely monitoring Eddie Howe’s situation at Newcastle.

It is understood Howe faces questioning from the Geordies’ Saudi owners this week about the team’s alarming slump.

The Magpies are in grave danger of missing out on European football next season after twice qualifying for the Champions League.

Newcastle fans are split on whether to stick or twist with their Carabao Cup winning manager, United’s first piece of silverware since 1955.

But patience is wearing thin, especially with keys stars including Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon likely to move this summer.

Newcastle have won only one of their last eight games in all competitions and face Brighton on Saturday looking to avoid a sixth successive Premier League defeat.

Howe Keen To Stay Despite Slump

Howe wants to carry on an outstanding body of work at St James’ Park. But would jump at the chance of taking over at Villa if he is made surplus to requirements in the North East.

Howe has the major say in most footballing decisions at Newcastle as does Emery at Aston Villa. And having seen the model work well under Emery, they would also cede responsibility to his successor.