Eddie Howe is under no illusions that he must have a strong end to the season after Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson's comments earlier in the week about the manager's future.

Hopkinson refused to give Howe any long-term assurances when he was quizzed on the 48-year-old's position, instead insisting that the only focus is on the last seven games of the Premier League campaign and a push for European qualification again.

Newcastle sit 12th in the table and have struggled for consistency this season. It has led to some supporters questioning whether Howe is the right man to take the club to the next level, and Hopkinson's comments - or lack of them - certainly didn't help.

As a result, speculation has grown over who could replace Howe in the St James' Park dugout should he leave the club, with no shortage of high-profile managers and head coaches linked with what is a prestigious position.

Among them is Xavi Hernandez. The former Spain midfielder has worked in the Saudi Pro League and then took his old club Barcelona to La Liga title, before leaving the Nou...