Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has revealed the latest on Newcastle United's talks with Eddie Howe to become their new manager.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days had pointed towards Villareal manager Unai Emery being the man the new owners wanted in place for this weekend's Premier League game against Brighton, but after that fell through on Wednesday, attentions have quickly towards elsewhere.

Writing on Twitter, Downie said: "Talks are on-going between Newcastle and Eddie Howe over their vacant manager’s position. Howe is under serious consideration following Unai Emery’s rejection yesterday. Understand he also held talks previously with Newcastle pre-takeover."

Newcastle's search could finally be over

In what has been a roller-coaster of a couple of days, it appears the Magpies finally look set to end this managerial saga and appoint Howe as the man to permanently replace Steve Bruce in the dugout at St James' Park.

While missing out on Emery is no doubt a big blow to the new ownership, getting someone in place for the clash against Brighton was absolutely critical.

Though the Premier League campaign may still be in its early days, the Tyneside club's wretched start has seen them firmly fixed in the bottom three of the table with just four points - they remain six points off safety.

Howe's appointment would at least give the Newcastle players and the fans as a whole a sense of relief and clarity about things going forward, instead of the state of uncertainty currently clouding the club.

Though Howe may not be everybody's first-choice, the fact Downie claims that talks are ongoing with the former Bournemouth boss and that he is "under serious consideration" should delight fans who must be getting tired of all this managerial drama already. All they want is a manager, and that dream could finally be realised in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has dropped a late-night twist on Newcastle's manager hunt...