Newcastle United chase Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira

Newcastle United want to make Nice manager and former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira their new manager. It is understood that the Toon Army have sent a team of negotiators to France to discuss personal terms with Vieira and are confident they can persuade the Frenchman to move back to England.

Vieira, considered by many Arsenal fans as one of their greatest players of all time, has started life well as a coach in Ligue 1 after the French side persuaded the former midfielder to leave New York City of the MLS.

Newcastle United are chasing a successor for Rafa Benitez, who left the club last week having failed to agree a new contract at St James Park.

One of the reported requirements of a move to England as requested by Vieira's agents is that there is sufficient transfer budget to revamp the club's squad, something that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is unlikely to approve.

That being said, Vieira still remains the firm favourite to take over the role at Newcastle for the 2019-20 season.