Eales would 'absolutely' fight to keep Howe

Newcastle United chief executive Darren Eales says he will fight to keep Eddie Howe at the club amid speculation linking him with the now vacant England manager role.

Gareth Southgate stepped down on Tuesday after eight years in charge and Magpies boss Howe immediately emerged as a potential candidate to replace him despite signing what Eales described as a "multi-year" extension to his current deal last summer.

"It is that speculation. Obviously Eddie has been an amazing manager for the club, he's committed to the club with the work that he's done and what he's shown," Eales told media from Newcastle's pre-season training camp in Germany.

"We're obviously committed to him. He had a multi-year extension last summer and we're on an exciting journey. As far as we're concerned, Eddie is the man to lead us on that."

Howe was appointed shortly after the Saudi-backed takeover of the club in October 2021 and led the team into their first Champions League campaign in two decades last season.

He was rewarded for Champions League qualification with an extension to his contract and Eales is confident his head will not be turned.

"We've not had recent discussions," Eales added.

"The first thing to say is that in any organisation if you are performing well there will be speculation from other clubs. But Eddie is under a long-term contract with the club.

"You see him, he loves the day to day of club football and we have an exciting project here in terms of the commitment from the ownership and the journey we want to go on. We are really excited about this season ahead."

When pushed further on whether he would fight to keep Howe should there be an approach from the FA, Eales added: "Yes, absolutely.

"He is exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. That's why we think he's the right man for Newcastle. We love him."