Former Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has reportedly turned down an approach from Crystal Palace.

Howe is being heavily linked with a return to management, just three months after stepping down at St James’ Park following four-and-a-half years in charge, during which he won the Carabao Cup and twice qualified for the Champions League.

The 48-year-old had come under pressure following last season’s 12th-place finish in the Premier League but was set to remain in charge until a change of heart at the start of pre-season.

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His decision came after the Magpies had sold Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, missed out on top targets Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi, and learned that Bruno Guimaraes was about to join Premier League champions Arsenal.

German boss Matthias Jaissle was appointed as Howe’s successor, with Newcastle currently sitting in the same league position their former head coach left them in after picking up 12 points from their opening 10 matches.

Eddie Howe turns down Crystal Palace approach

The season has now paused for the two-week international break, with both Crystal Palace and Manchester United expected to be in the market for new managers. Howe has been linked with both clubs.

But according to Sun Sport, Howe will not be taking over at Palace after rejecting the opportunity to replace Pierre Sage. The Eagles are bottom of the Premier League and have the worst defensive record in the division.

Instead, Howe is interested in taking over at Manchester United. Wallsend-born Michael Carrick is expected to be sacked in the coming days, with the Red Devils sitting 19th in the table after winning just once all season.

Should Howe return to management in the near future, Newcastle will be entitled to a compensation package of around £3million.

As part of the agreement surrounding his departure, the Magpies built in a degree of protection in case Howe joined a rival club in the months that followed. It is understood he still had three years remaining on his contract when he decided to leave.