Paulo Fonseca in Newcastle United waiting room as Toon owners consider Howe, Favre and Martinez

Newcastle United continue preparations for the trip to Crystal Palace under Graeme Jones

Newcastle United are now in a rigorous interview process with a host of applicants and candidates for the vacant head coach slot.

The Magpies have already touched base with the representatives of Paulo Fonseca while the experienced figure of ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre also waits for updates.

Ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is another in the frame while Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is eyeing a reunion with Graeme Jones.

Fonseca is one of the first candidates that Newcastle approached and it is understood that he is keen on the job, however, he faces an anxious wait to see if he has earned his crack at management in the Premier League.

The ex-AS Roma boss thought he had landed the Tottenham Hotspur job in the summer until Spurs supremo Daniel Levy changed his mind and opted for Nuno Espirito Santo.

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Players were back at the training ground today with work under Graeme Jones continuing during his stint as caretaker boss.

Regardless of what happens with a new manager coming in Jones is expected to remain on Tyneside while first-team/Academy link up man Ben Dawson is also tipped to keep his job.

There were mixed feelings around the camp with some players sad to see Steve Bruce leave the club and others, who weren't currently in the team, seeing it as an opportunity to win back their place.

Certainly, Switzerland international Fabian Schar is one star pushing for a recall for the trip to Crystal Palace with the centre-back not getting a single minute of action since August in a black and white shirt.

Another huge call to make against Crystal Palace is whether to switch goalkeeper with Martin Dubravka back from injury and Karl Darlow fresh from conceding three goals in the first half against Tottenham during the 3-2 defeat.

Even if Newcastle do name a manager before the weekend, they would be more than likely to watch the game at Selhurst Park from the stands with Jones taking the game.

Jones could also face the media ahead of the clash with the Eagles on Friday at the Magpies' weekly Zoom call with journalists.

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