12 Candidates To Become Newcastle Head Coach

5. Christophe Galtier

Age: 48 Nationality: French Clubs Managed: Marseille (2000), Aris Thessaloniki (2001-02). Saint-Etienne (2009-) Managerial Honours: 2012-13 Coupe de la Ligue (Saint-Etienne)

Saint-Etienne boss Christophe Galtier has returned to the top of Newcastle's wanted list in recent weeks. and the 48-year-old would be another Frenchman who could bring organisation and direction to the Magpies set-up. Newcastle spoke with Galtier in January after tracking the 49-year-old for some time, with chief scout Graham Carr believed to be a fan of the Frenchman's work at St-Etienne. A French League Cup winner in 2013, Galtier has worked wonders on a modest budget at St Etienne and he led the club to fourth in Ligue 1 last season. This has not gone unnoticed with the powers that be at Newcastle, with managing director Lee Charnley and head scout Carr both believed to be keen admirers. Galtier is unsure whether or not to extend his six-year stay at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, and it is believed he is intrigued by the prospect of taking over at Newcastle. At the end of this month he will have a year remaining on his current St-Etienne contract and Galtier has continuously rebuffed attempts from the club to make him sign an extended deal - although reports claim he may do so if he does not get an offer from another club soon. Newcastle should act quickly if they do want Galtier, because the Frenchman's win ratio of 42% from 250 games in charge (won 105) is impressive considering the modest budget he has had at his disposal at St-Etienne.