Villarreal manager Onai Emery has confirmed that Newcastle are keen to appoint him as their new coach, but says the Premier League side have yet to make an official offer to the Spaniards.
The 49-year-old Emery admitted to the Magpies 'interest in his services following Villarreal's 0-2 win over Young Boys last night (Tuesday) in the fourth round of the Champions League home stage, just hours after many reports claiming he is set to replace Steve Bruce at St James' Park .
"Newcastle have shown interest in me but there is no offer," Emery said.
The former Arsenal coach, who led Villarreal to a Europa League win last season, has a € 6m release clause in his contract and is not closing the door unequivocally on a return to England.
Asked if he would consider a move to Newcastle if there was an agreement between the two clubs he said: "In that case, I would talk to President Fernando Roig. I would show respect to the staff and the club. I do not close or open doors, I did not say no to the matter."
As you may recall, earlier this month the Saudi investment fund took over Newcastle with the aim of making it one of the largest clubs on the continent, in a deal worth just over £ 300 million.
Steve Bruce was fired shortly thereafter, and now Emery is on the big black-and-white shows.
Newcastle are in one place before the last in the Premier League, without a win in 10 league games this season when on Saturday they go out for an away game against Brighton.