NEWCASTLE are set to keep interim boss Graeme Jones in charge for their Premier League clash against Brighton this weekend.

The Magpies failed in their pursuit of ex-Arsenal manager Unai Emery earlier this week after he made clear his desire to stay at Villarreal.

Former Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe is now poised to succeed Steve Bruce but is expected to take charge after the Brighton game during the international break.

He is set to agree a two-and-a-half year deal and be joined at St James' Park by his long-time assistant Jason Tindall.

Bournemouth's old first-team coach Simon Weatherstone and assistant manager Stephen Purches may also join Howe on Tyneside.

Howe interviewed for the role last weekend and impressed the new Newcastle chiefs.

He is thought to have provisionally accepted the job but Newcastle are remaining cautious on an official announcement having already let Emery slip through their grasp.

Howe left Bournemouth in the summer of 2020 and has been out of work ever since.

He interviewed for the head role at Celtic during the off-season but then went on to turn the job offer down.

Talks continued between Howe, his agent and Newcastle on Thursday and the dialogue remains positive.

But Jones, who has overseen a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, looks set to lead the North East outfit onto the pitch at The Amex Stadium on Saturday evening.

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Howe is then expected to come in as the Saudi owners' first managerial appointment, with his opening match after the international break coming at home to Brentford on November 20.

Newcastle sit second bottom of the Premier League table and are still without a win this season.

They are currently six points adrift of safety and in danger of dropping down to the Championship for a third time in 13 years.

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