Eddie Howe wants to stay at Newcastle United on terms that are “right for me and the football club”, amid speculation that he is the frontrunner to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.
Howe has hinted he is taking a wait-and-see approach following the arrival of new sporting director Paul Mitchell and new performance director James Burns at Newcastle at the end of last season.
Asked if he would take over as manager when next season starts, Howe told reporters at the club’s pre-season trip to Germany: “If I am happy with where I am, have the support of the football club and have the freedom to do what I want, then of course.
“For me, it’s always been a key driver of my happiness and my ability to do my job.
“I would absolutely love to stay, but it has to be the right fit for me and the football club. If it’s not the right fit, then there’s no reason why I would be happy to stay at Newcastle. I wouldn’t be serving Newcastle well if I did.
“As the new team comes together, [off the pitch] We need to set boundaries. We need to make sure we can work together in a really fluid and dynamic way for the benefit of Newcastle.”
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There has been considerable upheaval at St James’ Park in recent months, with the club forced to sell young talent Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minthe to raise funds to comply with profit and sustainability regulations, while minority owners Amanda Staveley and Merdad Ghodoussi, who were instrumental in luring Howe to Tyneside, have relocated.
The former Bournemouth manager said: “There has been a lot of change at the football club this summer. It has been a very difficult summer for everyone connected with the club. Change always brings with it a new feeling.
“You could say PSR, Amanda, Mehrdad leaving, the change of sporting director, and of course the impact on me. These are all big changes.
“I don’t think I have the right to challenge that or I don’t want to challenge that decision. The club has to choose its direction and it’s their right to do that.
“I have no problem with that. But obviously I have to be happy with my job. I have to feel that it can help me and the football club. I hope you understand what I’m saying.
“It’s not about me as a manager. I’m a bit irrelevant. It’s about making sure Newcastle United are as strong as they can be next season and beyond. We all have to come together and make sure we’re the force we want to be.”
He added: “I was really happy for two and a half years. I loved every moment of the relationship I had and the way I was able to work. I think that’s what made it successful.
“We’re in a period of change, it’s just what’s happened. I can’t say for sure where it’s going to lead. I hope it leads to everything I’ve just said. It could, but that’s how it should be for Newcastle. For me, it’s not. The club is always the most important thing.”
According to reports, Howe is being linked with Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino as a possible successor to Southgate.
The 46-year-old has said that becoming manager of the Three Lions is not his long-term ambition.
“I think Britain is a very special place to some people,” he said. “I’m very patriotic and I’m not ashamed to say that. I love my country. I want my country to do well.
“I was really upset that Gareth and the boys didn’t win the Euros. But I don’t have a burning desire to do it one day. As I’ve said before, it will happen one day. If not, I’m very, very happy in the role I’m in now, in the day-to-day management.”
