Zinedine Zidane 'rejected Newcastle offer' because he has his eye on two other jobs
Posted Thursday, November 04, 2021 by Express.co.uk
Zinedine Zidane was reportedly Newcastle's primary choice to replace Steve Bruce.
Newcastle United made Zinedine Zidane their prime target to replace Steve Bruce as manager but he turned them down, according to reports. After giving Bruce the chop last month, the Magpies' new owners are closing in on their chosen successor, but it won't be Zidane.
The French football icon has been out of work since May when he left Real Madrid for a second time.
And he's been linked with a few top jobs since, including becoming the leader of Newcastle's new era after Mike Ashley's sale.
But it seems like he has no interest in a St. James' Park arrival and is only eyeing a Premier League switch if another club enters the picture.
Zinedine Zidane is currently out of work. (Image: GETTY)
According to El Espanol, Newcastle wanted to appoint Zidane over Emery, but the former is 'comfortable' being unemployed for the time being.
The 49-year-old is waiting to see whether the Manchester United or France positions become vacant, the latter of which he is the overwhelming favourite for should Didier Deschamps leave.
Newcastle particularly liked Zidane due to his current availability, but he didn't see the opportunity with 'good eyes'.
His stance ended interest, which led to the North East club intensifying their pursuit of Emery.
Newcastle's search for a new manager however is set to rumble on after Emery rejected the club's approach with a passionate statement on Wednesday.
It read: "For all the noise there was yesterday in another country, within the club there has been transparency and loyalty with the Roig family, that for me is most important.
"Villarreal is my home, and I am 100 per cent committed to the club. Honestly, I am grateful for the interest shown by a great club, but I am also even more grateful to stay here.
"I have communicated to Fernando Roig my decision to want to continue as part of this project, and for the commitment and respect that I have received from the club and my players, it is mutual and reciprocated.
Newcastle sacked Steve Bruce last month. (Image: GETTY)
"I also want to show gratitude for the love and support that has always been shown to me. This Sunday, we have a very important game and I hope that, together, we can achieve victory. We will see you in the Estadio Ceramica."
Newcastle have now turned to former AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, who has been out of work for over a year since leaving the Cherries.
The Magpies will likely want to make an appointment before the end of this month's international break.
If an agreement can be reached with Howe swiftly, he could be in the dug-out for Saturday's trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.
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