Newcastle United reportedly want Derby County manager Steve McClaren to succeed caretaker boss John Carver before the end of the season.
The Magpies have lost eight consecutive games to slip into a relegation dogfight in the Premier League, with Carver's side now just two points above the drop zone.
The Newcastle hierarchy are concerned about the threat of relegation, and will move for McClaren before the end of the campaign, despite placing Carver in charge until the end of the season earlier this term.
According to The People, Newcastle have kept tabs on McClaren since Christmas with a view to a deal in the summer, but after watching their side continue to lose, the club will look to install the former England manager as quickly as possible.
Newcastle's last three games are against West Bromwich Albion, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United, and the board are looking to recruit McClaren before the visit from the Baggies on May 9, according to the report.
McClaren's Derby missed out on a place in the Championship playoffs after a 3-0 reverse to Reading at the iPro Stadium on Saturday.
Paul Gorst
