Wilshere would 'love' to sign for Howe, who 'would take Newcastle to the next level'

Howe is one of the many names linked with the position, which became vacant on Wednesday following Steve Bruce's departure.

Wilshere, who worked with Howe at Bournemouth, believes Howe would be a great appointment for the Magpies.

Wilshere said on Drive: "Hopefully I'll sign for someone. I'm training with Arsenal until the end of January.

"In certain territories I can sign but I think I'll stay with Arsenal until January and see what comes up."

On the prospect of signing for Howe at Newcastle, Wilshere added: "I would love to. I'm not sure if he would take me though.

"I worked with him before and I still speak with him so I could ask the question.

"I think he'd be great with the players Newcastle have got. With the transition they're in, he could take them to the next level."

To outsiders, there may be a perception that the mild-mannered Howe may lack the ruthlessness to manage a club that looks destined to reach the top in the future.

However, Wilshere revealed Howe is anything but a soft touch, recalling the dressing down the former Cherries boss gave him after his debut for the club.

Wilshere said later in the show: "Eddie Howe used to lose it a little. You knew when you didn't perform right for him.

"He was a great coach, he had the respect of the players and everyone listened to him but sometimes he would lose it.

"After my first game for Bournemouth, we played City away and we got smashed 5-1.

"I gave the ball away a few times and came in at the end of the game, it was the first game for a while, and he just said 'Jack, what are you doing? We brought you here to keep the ball, not give it away' in front of everyone.

"He was angry and from that moment I knew what I had to do for him."