Newcastle target Flamengo boss as Bruce successor

Newcastle will target Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus to succeed Steve Bruce at the St. James' Park helm, reports Goal.com. 

Current owner Mike Ashley is close to selling the club to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which is headed up by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and they have identified a number of managerial targets to take over the reins. 

Former boss Rafa Benitez has been linked with a return to Newcastle, while Mauricio Pochettino is another being courted by the club. 

However, Jesus is another possible candidate for the Magpies given his success in Europe and recent trophy haul. 

Indeed, the 65-year-old managed Flamengo to Brasileirao and Copa Libertadores success in 2019 as the Brazilian side became the first team to achieve the historic double since Santos achieved the feat in 1963. 

Jesus is currently contracted to the domestic champions until June, but Flamengo are hoping to extend his contract until December 2021, though the manager's wage demands could throw a spanner in the works. 

The experienced boss actually turned down the chance to succeed Benitez as Newcastle head coach last summer, but may now be more tempted to listen to any offers from the Premier League side.