Paul Clement could be an option for Newcastle United during the summer, after the Real Madrid coach admitted he is prepared to listen to offers.
The Magpies remain in the market for a new manager having allowed Alan Pardew to leave for Crystal Palace earlier this month. Their search for a replacement has been postponed until the end of the season after installing John Carver in caretaker charge for the remainder of the campaign, and the 50-year-old is understood to be keen on taking the job on a permanent basis.
As unlikely as this may seem, his chances will be boosted if he can lead the Tyneside giants to a respectable Premier League finish this term, and their 3-0 win at Hull City on Saturday has at least eased fears they could be dragged into a relegation fight. This success at the KC Stadium lifts the 11th-placed side 11 points clear of the bottom three, and 10 points off sixth-place.
Even if this result sparks an improvement, owner Mike Ashley will wait until the summer before considering his options. Carver remains the favourite, according to odds comparison site oddschecker.com, but stronger candidates include Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, former Lyon coach Remi Garde and, if Derby County fail to secure promotion, possibly Steve McClaren.
Another intriguing option could present itself in the shape of Clement. The 43-year-old has, like Carver, never managed a club in his own right before, but has earned a reputation as one of the best coaches around having assisted Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and, currently, Real Madrid. What’s more, the former non-league player admits he could be open to offers.
“If a really attractive offer came and I felt it was an opportunity was too good to refuse of course I would listen to the proposal,” Clement told the Evening Standard. “That hasn’t happened and I’m very focused on my job here and we’re all working very hard here together to try and retain the [UEFA] Champions League and to win the league here in Spain.”
