Marseille Boss André Villas-Boas 'Likely' to Resign as Newcastle Rumours Escalate
By Robbie Walls
Marseille manager André Villas-Boas is reportedly considering resigning from his post due to internal changes at the club, while rumours of a move to Newcastle continue to gather pace.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager has been a revelation in France, with his side securing Champions League qualification after the Ligue 1 season was brought to an abrupt end.
Despite the success of the 2019/20 season, the Portuguese manager could still be set to walk through the exit door after the club sacked director of football Andoni Zubizarreta.
According to L'Equipe, Villas-Boas is said to be outraged by the decision to terminate the contract of Zubizarreta, particularly with the club needing to recruit ahead of their participation in European competition next season.
The manager had previously outlined, as per the Mail, his desire to work alongside his colleague in order to strengthen for next season, as he said: “I have to understand more or less who will be alongside me. We want to have the power to make decisions.
“It’s important that we, and the sporting director, have the opportunity to have a window of quality transfers," he added.
This scenario has left Villas-Boas reportedly wanting to quit the club, with Newcastle United a possible destination.
The Premier League side are in the midst of an impending Saudi-backed takeover, which could catapult the Magpies to the top of European football's rich list.
With the potential new owners hoping for bigger things than mid-table obscurity, current manager Steve Bruce's head may be on the chopping block, with a host of managers on the list to replace him.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Villas-Boas is an option alongside Mauricio Pochettino, as well as a possible returning figure in Rafael Benitez, yet it is still unclear if the club is to dispense with Bruce.