The Athletic's George Caulkin has seemingly delivered a twist in regards to Newcastle United's pursuit of a new manager.

What's the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca was the front-runner to be the man to replace Steve Bruce in the dugout at St James' Park, but it appears that trail has stopped hotting up.

Writing on Twitter, Caulkin said: "Well, they’ve spoken to him a couple of times, we know that. But I was also told today that nothing is as far advanced as has been said. Let’s see."

Fresh twist for Newcastle

While here on Football FanCast we've outlined why Fonseca would be a very promising appointment for Newcastle, the fact the Magpies haven't pulled the trigger just yet on hiring him should be intriguing news for fans.

Whether it's because the new owners have found a new man whom they'd like to appoint instead, or just a case of them doing their due diligence and truly putting in all the work and time to assess Fonseca, it's reassuring that the Magpies aren't just diving head-first into a hasty decision.

Naming Newcastle's next permanent boss is the kind of massive call that could have ramifications not just for this season where relegation from the Premier League is still a very real and sobering possibility but also for the future.

It's absolutely imperative they get this decision spot-on, and leave nothing to chance, and Caulkin's reveal that things aren't as "advanced" with Fonseca as they had been originally claimed should be looked at more positively.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could get St James' Park rocking by hiring this man...