TOON GAFFER HOWE IS ON BLUES' RADAR

CHELSEA have made a shock move to lure Newcastle's Eddie Howe as their new manager.

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Enzo Maresca was axed by the Stamford Bridge club on New Year's Day after 18 months in charge - with Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior touted as their top target.

But there have been discreet moves to sound out Howe, who has become a cult hero on Tyneside after ending 70 years of domestic trophy pain by winning the Carabao Cup last season.

He is highly regarded in the Stamford Bridge board room and the former Bournemouth miracle worker is seen as having the right calming qualities to succeed Meresca.

Howe has led the Toon from the depths of the Premier League to Champions League qualification and is on England's radar as a future Three Lions boss.

He has become frustrated at St James' Park over previous nonproductive transfer windows but will be backed this month.

At Chelsea though, he could expect to be able to spend more freely.