Ashley wants Marcelino at Newcastle

Real Zaragoza coach Marcelino is again a surprise target for Newcastle United.

The Sunday Sun says with Mike Ashley pondering whether to call off his attempts to sell the club for a second time, caretaker manager Chris Hughton is ready to be asked to take charge of team affairs until the end of the season.

And, in anticipation that there may still be viable bids for the club eight months down the line, he would then look to approach Marcelino about becoming Newcastle's permanent manager.

Ashley is set to use the man who made the original approach for Marcelino – United’s then vice-president Tony Jimenez – to make another overture to one of Spain’s most respected young coaches.