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Football pundit and former England midfielder Paul Merson has urged Chelsea Football Club to keep a close eye on Eddie Howe as a potential managerial appointment this summer, amid mounting speculation over the Newcastle United boss\u2019s future and Chelsea\u2019s ongoing hunt for a permanent head coach.<\/p>\n
CHELSEA<\/strong> recently dismissed Liam Rosenior after a brief tenure in charge, leaving interim boss Calum McFarlane at the helm until the end of the season. With the Premier League season winding down, Chelsea\u2019s board and sporting directors are under increasing pressure to appoint a manager capable of steadying the club and returning the Blues to consistent top-flight form.<\/p>\n Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, emphasised that Howe would be a \u201ctop manager\u201d suited to the challenge at Stamford Bridge, particularly if the Newcastle figure were to become available next season. The 48-year-old has been linked with departure rumours as Newcastle struggle this campaign, sitting precariously just above the relegation zone \u2014 a stark contrast to their recent successes under Howe\u2019s stewardship.<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m a big fan of Eddie Howe,\u2019 Merson told Sky Sports. \u2018If Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle, they\u2019ll be queueing up around the corner for him. So that tells you everything. Be careful Newcastle. Chelsea would take him tomorrow morning, you\u2019d like to think so wouldn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n \u2018In my opinion, they\u2019d take him all day long. We\u2019re talking about a next England manager, 100 per cent.<\/p>\n \u2018As I say, everybody would be queueing up to take Eddie Howe, he\u2019s a top manager.<\/p>\n \u2018He\u2019s just had injuries and with the (Alexander) Isak thing at the end of the season. I think Eddie has done enough to decide whatever he wants at the club. I think there\u2019s a genuine love for him up there.\u2019<\/p>\n Reports indicate that Newcastle\u2019s ownership and sporting hierarchy are planning a comprehensive evaluation at the season\u2019s end to assess Howe\u2019s future amid the club\u2019s underwhelming campaign. Despite this review, there is also a strong contingent within the club that continues to support the manager, acknowledging his long-term contributions to the Magpies.<\/p>\n CHELSEA<\/strong> \u2014 meanwhile \u2014 have begun assessing a wide pool of managerial candidates. Recent reports list Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Xabi Alonso among the frontrunners for the Stamford Bridge job, reflecting Chelsea\u2019s desire for a tactically adept leader with experience in competitive environments.<\/p>\n Merson\u2019s call to monitor Howe underscores the broader conversation around Chelsea\u2019s next managerial appointment. Howe\u2019s blend of Premier League experience, tactical acumen and proven ability to work under pressure are qualities that, in Merson\u2019s view, would make him a compelling choice for a club that has endured frequent managerial turnover in recent years.<\/p>\n For Chelsea, the challenge will be not only identifying a manager with the profile they desire but also convincing a candidate of the club\u2019s long-term vision and stability \u2014 something that has historically proven difficult during periods of rapid change at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Latest: Impressive boss sent message about joining Chelsea end of season!<\/strong><\/p>\n Top Read: Boss \u2018to create a team of warriors\u2019 Chelsea told as Board encouraged to wrap up signing of top target<\/strong><\/p>\n Most Read: Chelsea makes moves to sign 43-year old Premier League \u2013 summer move already confirmed<\/strong><\/p>\nLOVE CHELSEA? CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n
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