Bruce out at Newcastle; Lampard, Fonseca in frame

Newcastle United will consider Frank Lampard and Paulo Fonseca as the next permanent manager at St. James’ Park, sources have told ESPN, after the club’s new owners confirmed the departure of Steve Bruce by mutual consent.

Bruce, who took charge of his 1,000th competitive game as a manager during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Tottenham, leaves Newcastle after two seasons in charge of his hometown. During that period, Bruce guided Newcastle to 13th and 12th placed finishes in the Premier League and runs to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

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But with the Saudi Arabia-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) completing their £305 million takeover earlier this month by buying out former owner Mike Ashley, the new regime has opted to make the change of manager with Newcastle in the Premier League relegation zone with just three points from eight games so far.

First-team coach Graeme Jones will take charge of the team on an interim basis against Crystal Palace this weekend, but sources have told ESPN that the new owners are determined to make a swift appointment as manager in an effort to halt the club’s worrying run of form.

Former Chelsea manager Lampard and ex-Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk coach Fonseca are the leading candidates, sources have said, with both men out of work and available to take over immediately.

Lucien Favre, the former Borussia Dortmund coach, and ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe are also in the frame, while Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Belgium coach Roberto Martinez are more ambitious targets.

Chris Wilder, who left Sheffield United last season, is another name being considered, but sources have said that Lampard and Fonseca are the most appealing candidates to the PIF hierarchy.

In a statement issued by the club on Wednesday, Bruce admitted he had endured ‘difficult moments’ during his time as manager at St James’s.

“I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club,” Bruce said.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

“This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”

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