Newcastle hope to appoint ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery as manager before Saturday's game against Brighton.

The 49-year-old, currently in charge of Spanish side Villarreal, has emerged as the leading candidate as United's new owners look to replace Steve Bruce, reports BBC Sport.

But there is still work to be done on a deal with the Spaniard, whose contract with the La Liga club runs until 2023.

Newcastle have also held talks with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and ex-Roma manager Paulo Fonseca.

Emery will lead Villarreal against Young Boys in their Champions League Group F fixture on Tuesday evening, and in Monday's pre-match news conference said he did not know anything about links with Newcastle.

He won the Europa League last season, beating Manchester United on penalties in the final in May.

Emery had an 18-month spell in charge of Arsenal before being sacked in November 2019.