The man making Jude Bellingham and co. sweat could change Newcastle's fortunes

His side currently sit second in the Spanish top-flight and level on points with Real Madrid at the halfway stage of the season, losing only once in 19 outings.

Girona look set to go toe-to-toe with Los Blancos until the end of the campaign, even if Jude Bellingham continues to fire on all cylinders.

They have beaten clubs including Sevilla, Villarreal, Barcelona and, most recently, Atletico Madrid in their impressive rise.

Michel (full name Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz) has been instrumental in their success thus far and has been at the helm since 2021 after spells at Rayo Vallecano and Huesca.

He won promotion to LaLiga in his first season before guiding them to tenth in the previous campaign.

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His work at Girona certainly hasn't gone unnoticed as Spanish outlet Marca have reported Newcastle's interest in the manager.

They are 'looking very seriously' at putting him in the hotseat for their project at St. James' Park amid Eddie Howe's struggles.

Newcastle have endured a dreadful run of form of late, with just one win coming in their past eight matches across all competitions.

Defeats have come against teams including Nottingham Forest, Luton Town and Everton, taking them to ninth in the Premier League.

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Newcastle have also already knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

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The Magpies are winless in the past nine Tyne-Wear derbies, with their last win coming in 2011.

Victory at the Stadium of Light would be a massive boost for the second half of the season as they eye a much-needed return to form.