Newcastle United chiefs are keen on Southampton boss Ronald Koeman for next season.
John Carver has been appointed to the end of this season, though is expected to make way over the summer.
The People says free agent Remi Garde has spoken to Toon hierarchy. But the whisper is he did not impress club bigwigs, who instead fancy luring Koeman to the north east.
Derby boss Steve McClaren is believed to be in pole position to take over.
But Koeman, who has worked wonders at Southampton this season since joining from Dutch side Feyenoord, has emerged as a leading contender for a number of reasons - despite the fact it would cost £2million to secure his release.