Chelsea's decision to sack Liam Rosenior last week after just 104 days in charge has left them looking for their third manager in just two years.
Calum McFarlane has taken over until the end of the season, and although the Under-21's boss got off to a winning start by beating Leeds United in the FA Cup semi final on Sunday, he is not expected to become the club's permanent manager.
The likes of Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are contenders to take charge, as is Como's Cesc Fabregas, but BlueCo's enquiries remain ongoing, and Paul Merson believes there is another obvious contender for the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
Paul Merson confident Chelsea will want to hire Eddie Howe
Although this season has been a disappointment, largely due to issues out of his control, including Alexander Isak's late move to Liverpool, Eddie Howe has enjoyed a hugely successful four-and-a-half years at St. James' Park overall.
The 48-year-old ended the Magpies long wait for a major trophy when he guided the team to the 2024-25 Carabao Cup, and Merson, who spoke live on Sky Sports recently, believes he'd be an asset to Chelsea.
"If Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle, they’ll be queueing up around the corner for him.
So that tells you everything. Be careful Newcastle. Chelsea would take him tomorrow morning, you’d like to think so wouldn’t you?
In my opinion, they’d take him all day long. We’re talking about a next England manager, 100 per cent.
As I say, everybody would be queueing up to take Eddie Howe, he’s a top manager."
During his time in charge of the Magpies, Howe, who's future will be decided at the end of the season, has averaged 1.69 points-per game, including 18 matches in the Champions League.
Chelsea's record of sackings may put managers off
While the Blues won't struggle to find a new manager, especially if they qualify for the Champions League next season, some individuals may be put off by the club's record of hiring and firing.
Xavi's comments last year have effectively ruled him out of the running after the former Barcelona boss confirmed he would only take a job if it came with significant assurances.
And Howe could very have the same reservations because he typically stays in positions for over four years.
The 48-year-old's current role at Newcastle, which he began in 2021, and his previous role in charge of Bournemouth for six years, proves he's a manager that likes to build a project from the ground up, and that's not something Chelsea are known for.
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