Eddie Howe viewed by FA as serious contender to succeed Gareth Southgate

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is viewed by the Football Association as a serious candidate to become the England boss if Gareth Southgate leaves his role next summer, understands.

The FA ideally want to know Southgate's plans ahead of the 2024 European Championships, but he has not made a decision on his future yet.

Southgate's current deal expires next summer following Euro 2024, where England will be one of the favourites to take home the title having finished as runners-up at Euro 2020.

Southgate is England's most successful head coach since Sir Alf Ramsey, standing as the only other boss to guide them to a major final, but next summer will mark his eighth year in the job and it remains to be seen if he will continue in the job.

The FA are more than open to handing Southgate a new deal and are ready to talk, but they also don't want to be caught off guard if he decides to leave and want a succession plan in place if that's the option he takes.

As such, understands that the FA is carrying out due diligence on potential successors, and Howe's name has already been discussed.

Howe's tenure as Newcastle boss has been outstanding, turning them from relegation favourites into a Champions League outfit in under two seasons. Despite the pressure of being in charge of the richest club in England, Howe has has embraced his role and is a hugely popular figure on Tyneside.

It is therefore little surprise that Howe's name has been talked about at the FA, but he is by no means the only candidate.

Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has long been seen as a potential successor should he decide that the time is right to move away from club football, while also understands the FA are impressed with Nottingham Forest's Steve Cooper.

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