Eddie Howe in trouble? Newcastle 'seriously' considering replacing beleaguered manager with impressive Girona boss Michel Sanchez

Howe led Newcastle to fourth place in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup final last season, when the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. However, their time in Europe's elite club competition was short-lived as they finished last in their group. A run of bad form has now seen the 46-year-old's position called into question with the Magpies linked with Girona's Sanchez, accorind go Marca.

In his first season in charge, Michel led Girona to promotion to La Liga. The following season, he guided the Catalan side to 10th place. Girona, who are owned by the same holding company as Manchester City, have surprised everyone this season by sitting level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the league after 19 games.

A number of top teams in Europe have taken notice of Michel as a result of Girona's achievements. Girona's connections to City may make Michel a suitable candidate for Pep Guardiola, while Barcelona are eyeing the Spaniard as a replacement for Xavi.

Newcastle are on a run of seven losses in eight games across all competitions. The Magpies are currently ninth in the Premier League, 11 points behind fourth-place Arsenal, and outside the European spots for the first time since August after suffering four losses in their previous five games in the league.

While Howe's job is not under immediate danger, he will be hoping to get a win against Newcastle's local rivals, Sunderland when they face each other in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 6.