GRAHAM POTTER wants to make one of Eddie Howe’s most-trusted lieutenants his No.2 at Sweden.
And it could be good news for misfiring Alexander Isak.
Newcastle assistant Graeme Jones has emerged as a target for Sweden’s new boss Potter, who has penned a short-term deal until March just weeks after being sacked by West Ham.
Now he is quickly looking to assemble his backroom team ahead of the upcoming crunch World Cup qualifiers with Switzerland and Slovenia.
Potter has been a long-term admirer of the highly experienced Jones and is considering making an approach to the Magpies.
Jones, a key part of Howe’s coaching staff at St. James’ Park, already has international experience already having held assistant roles with both England and Belgium.
STAR’S BATTLE
Ex-Bristol City star diagnosed with terminal cancer as fans raise thousands
Welcome offer
Get a £50 welcome bonus when you join Sun Vegas and spend £10
The expected approach from Sweden for the 55-year-old is understood to be on an initial part-time basis until the spring with an option to extend if Potter can transform their fortunes and reach the World Cup.
One man who will be key to that happening will be Isak.
The striker, 26, has looked way off it for both club and country since his controversial £130m British record move to Liverpool.
However, a reunion with Jones on the international stage could be just what he needs to get going again.
Jones worked closely with Isak throughout their time together at Newcastle to help transform the forward into one of the deadliest No.9s in the Premier League.
And that helped the hotshot amass an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Mags before his explosive exit.
Meanwhile, Potter’s replacement at West Ham, Nuno Espirito Santo, is yet to make an improvement.
The manager’s first game ended in a draw away to Everton but that has since been followed by back-to-back 2-0 defeats to Arsenal and Brentford.
Last night’s loss to the Bees saw the Hammers completely outclassed as they only managed one shot on target all game.
To make matters worse, the London Stadium appeared half empty due to ongoing fan protests against the ownership.
Read the full article here
