Newcastle "Sound Out" Guingamp Boss For Head Coach Role

Newcastle United are taking their time as they search for the right head coach to take over during one of the most important summers in recent memory - and their hunt has now taken them to Guingamp. Jocelyn Gourvennec is just the latest name to be linked to the Magpies hotseat, with French paper L€™‰quipe claiming Newcastle have sounded out the 43-year-old for the position. The Guingamp boss is holding out for an exciting offers, with only Rennes, Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig having shown any firm interest so far - but it is believed Gourvennec would seriously consider an approach from Newcastle.

The Magpies had been without a permanent head coach since Alan Pardew departed for Crystal Palace at the turn of the year, with John Carver having taken charge on a caretaker and then interim basis. With owner Mike Ashley handing full control of the search for a permanent boss over to Lee Charnley, the club's managing director is trawling through all the potential candidates for the job. And, due to chief scout Graham Carr's extensive connections in France, Gourvennec has emerged as a credible candidate.

The former Marseille, Rennes, SC Bastia and Montpellier midfielder began his coaching career at La Roche - where he was once named Ligue 2 manager of the year - before taking over at Guingamp in 2010. Having led Guingamp to promotion from Ligue 2 during the 2012-13 season, he then helped them to survive in the top flight with a 16th-placed finish - as well as claiming the Coupe de France that campaign, only the second time the club have won the trophy in their history. Progress has continued again this season, with Guingamp having finished in the top-half of Ligue 1, in 10th position - claiming 49 points from 38 games.

Gourvennec has worked wonders at a small club like Guingamp on a modest budget - and he has even managed to get Syvlain Marveaux, who he took on a season-long loan from Newcastle, playing well. The midfielder scored three and assisted two goals for Guingamp during 30 appearances for the club and has received some glowing reviews across The Channel. Although Carver maintains he still wants the job permanently, he won just three of his 20 games in charge and plunged Newcastle into a relegation battle - with their survival only confirmed on the final day of the Premier League season. That opens up the very real prospect that someone like Gourvennec could take charge at St James' Park. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.