Former England manager in pole-position for the Magpies job:
Steve McClaren is reportedly closing in on the Newcastle United managerial post – and has targeted Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford as his first signing.
McClaren, aged 54, was recently sacked by Championship side Derby County, and is set to meet the Newcastle board in the coming days, ahead of a potential appointment at St James’ Park.
The Tyneside outfit, who finished 17th in the Premier League last season, are unlikely to hand interim manager John Carver the job on a full time basis, and have opted to go in search of the unattached McClaren.
According to reports, he was offered the full-time role at Newcastle towards the end of the season, as McClaren turned it down in order to concentrate on his work with Derby.
Patrick Bamford: A wanted man:
Should McClaren take the hot seat at Newcastle in the coming weeks, he may try to wrap up a deal to bring Patrick Bamford back to the North East.
The duo have worked twice before, at Derby County and Nottingham Forest, with 21-year-old Bamford very much in-demand, as several Premier League sides’ battle for his signature.
Despite netting 19 goals on loan at Middlesbrough, and winning the Championship player of the year last season, the forward is unlikely to be part of Jose Mourinho‘s immediate plans at Chelsea.
Boro are keen to take him back to the Riverside next term, however his short-term future looks to be a loan move in England’s Premier League.
Bamford has several Premier League admirers, including Southampton, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, as Chelsea look to continue his development in the top-flight.
by Ben Reardon
