Reports have been building over the past day or so about Unai Emery taking over at Newcastle United.
Monday saw claims the Villarreal manager is now the favourite to take the position. The Spaniard was asked about the situation during his press conference yesterday, and insisted he knew nothing about it.
Tuesday morning saw the reports move up a gear, with claims Emery will be appointed by the Magpies this week, but in Spain there’s some confusion.
Marca report that Villarreal are not aware of any move for their manager, which would make it clear that Newcastle have not been in contact with the La Liga side.
AS quote a source at the club as saying they have “no news that our coach could leave”. They’re unhappy about such claims at an important stage of the season, and when asked about a termination clause in Emery’s contract, said that there is one, as is the rule with such contracts in Spanish football.
After the claims that the clause is €6m, AS say they’ve been able to confirm this.
Should Newcastle United be negotiating directly with Emery’s representatives then it’s plausible Villarreal wouldn’t have been informed. Simply by paying the clause, the Magpies could take any decision out of the club’s hands.
