Newcastle set to appoint Eddie Howe as their new boss on two-and-a-half-year contract and he could be in charge for Saturday's Premier League match at Brighton Former Bournemouth boss thought he had missed out on Newcastle job But Unai Emery performed a U-turn late on Tuesday to stay at Villarreal Eddie Howe now set to be named head coach on two-and-a-half-year deal By Craig Hope for the Daily Mail Published: 20:34 GMT, 4 November 2021 | Updated: 20:38 GMT, 4 November 2021 2 Viewcomments Eddie Howe is close to agreeing a two-and-a-half-year deal to become Newcastle's head coach. The former Bournemouth boss thought he had missed out on the role when Villarreal’s Unai Emery emerged as the preferred candidate over the weekend. The Spaniard’s advisers - including his brother, Igor - were in the UK this week in anticipation of his unveiling ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brighton on Saturday. Eddie Howe is close to agreeing a two-and-a-half-year deal to become Newcastle's head coach However, when Emery performed a U-turn late on Tuesday night, attention returned to Howe. We understand some of his former Bournemouth players in the Newcastle dressing-room had already communicated their support for their old boss to the owners. Howe also impressed during interview by outlining his vision for immediate improvement, with Newcastle winless and 19th in the Premier League. Unai Emery performed a U-turn late on Tuesday night to stay at Spanish side Villarreal It is thought he shared the view of the hierarchy that fitness levels and organisation could be better, and that the current squad is performing way below its capabilities after a 10-match winless start. Howe is happy to work alongside current interim boss Graeme Jones and is expected to add coaches Stephen Perches, Jason Tindall and Simon Weatherstone to his backroom. Should terms be finalised on Friday then Howe could yet be installed ahead of the tea-time kick-off at Brighton. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility