Merson backs Howe for Chelsea job despite Newcastle's relegation fight

Chelsea are hunting for a new permanent manager following their split with Liam Rosenior, with interim boss Calum McFarlane holding the fort until the campaign concludes. McFarlane has steered the club into the FA Cup but will make way for a fresh face ahead of next season.

While the Blues have several irons in the fire regarding potential candidates, Paul Merson reckons they should be casting their net towards St James' Park. Despite Eddie Howe's precarious position at Newcastle—where relegation remains a genuine threat—the Sky Sports pundit believes the Magpies manager is precisely the calibre Chelsea should be chasing.

"I'm a big fan of Eddie Howe," Merson declared. "If Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle, they'll be queueing up around the corner for him. That tells you everything. 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."

The pundit went further, tipping Howe for future international recognition. "We're talking about a next England manager, 100 per cent," he added. "Everybody would be queueing up to take Eddie Howe. He's a top manager."

Merson also offered a sympathetic assessment of Howe's current predicament, pointing to injury troubles and complications involving striker Alexander Isak as mitigating factors. "He's just had injuries and with the Isak thing at the end of the season. I think Eddie has done enough to decide whatever he wants at the club. I think there's a genuine love for him up there."

Jamie Redknapp echoed the sentiment, suggesting Howe deserves the latitude to determine his own future. Newcastle currently sit 14th in the Premier League—a significant disappointment given their previous trajectory—and Redknapp acknowledged the fanbase's frustration.

"I think there's a genuine love for him up there. The fans will be disappointed with the season, understandably," Redknapp said. "He deserves the opportunity and the luxury of deciding what happens. There might come a point where Eddie thinks, 'I've maybe taken this group as far as I can'. There's obviously something not right there and the performances haven't been acceptable."