Newcastle Hope It's Fourth-Time Lucky As Steve McClaren Targets Ex-Valencia Coach

Newcastle United are hoping fourth time is a charm as they look to former Valencia coach Ian Cathro to become new boss Steve McClaren's assistant. With Phil Neville, Bolo Zenden and Steve Round having already rejected approaches from the Magpies to become McClaren€™s number two, Cathro has emerged as the club's new top target. With Steve Black likely to rejoin the Magpies as part of McClaren's new-look coaching set-up in the coming days, Cathro is also being lined up as the former England boss' number two, according to the Northern Echo.

Derby County's Paul Simpson is also still on the shortlist of coaches who could be brought to Tyneside, however, as McClaren looks to totally reshape the club. Simpson should become available later this week, with new Rams boss Paul Clement keen to bring in his own backroom staff, meaning a reunion in the North East could be on the cards. But it is 28-year-old Cathro (pictured above, centre) who has entered the fray to become McClaren's number two, with the former Brechin City and Forfar Athletic player seen as one of the most-exciting coaches in Europe. Made Dundee United youth academy director by the age of 22, Cathro became Rio Ave assistant in 2012 - before moving to Valencia, where he left last summer. Could Newcastle finally have a backroom staff in place within the next few days? For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.