Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle has emerged as the leading contender to replace Eddie Howe, who departed his role as Newcastle United manager on Thursday.
Speculation surrounding Howe’s future with the Magpies has been circulating over the last fortnight, following the summer sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Brazil star and talisman Bruno Guimaraes, who is yet to rejoin his Newcastle team-mates after playing in the 2026 World Cup, has also been heavily linked with a summer transfer window move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Outstanding and committed
After overseeing a 4-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday night, Howe discussed Guimaraes’ future at St James’ Park, telling Sky Sports: “Bruno’s always been committed here.
“His training performances, his game performances, have been outstanding.
“Every time he’s worn the shirt, he’s played with the fans by his side. I’d love to see that continue.
“I think we want to keep all of our best players. They’re so valuable, and as I said numerous times, there aren’t many of them, and to get them and develop them is so difficult.
“So when you have them, you want to keep them. And Bruno’s very much in that category; he’s an outstanding player.”
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Unhealthy distractions
Howe saw star striker Alexander Isak join Liverpool last season – and also admitted on Wednesday night that transfer rumours can be unsettling.
He added: “Any distraction, if it’s not healthy, is unhealthy. So, yeah.
“But we’re not in control of that. And to some degree, I don’t think Bruno’s in control of that either. What will be, will be.
“We can’t control the forces that are at play here, we’ve just got to make sure that when Bruno comes back, we look after him and he trains well, which I’m sure he will do.
“And he makes a difference as he always has done.”
Magpies face Liverpool in opener
When the news of Howe’s departure broke on Thursday morning, 38-year-old Jaissle quickly emerged as the leading candidate to replace the former Bournemouth boss.
His current team Al Ahli is one of the four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who also own the Magpies.
Newcastle will be looking to make an appointment fairly urgently as they face their Premier League season opener with a home game against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23.
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Michael Davey 
SportJustSport writers