Steve Bruce will be removed as Newcastle United manager in the coming days.
The Daily Mail says Graeme Jones is likely to be in charge as caretaker manager when Newcastle take on Tottenham at St James' Park next Sunday in the first game of the club's new era under Saudi Arabian owners.
Bruce's reign is drawing to a close but the appointment of a new manager to fit the ambitions of the owners may take some time, with the most favoured candidates, such as Leicester's Brendan Rodgers, currently unavailable.
Antonio Conte is understood not to be a candidate and it is unlikely that former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will be considered.
Bruce met Staveley last week but only briefly and not for substantive discussions. Staveley is expected to hold talks with him this week and she will address the players in midweek when they return from a short break, with Smith, Bruce's assistant, expected to be in charge by the weekend.
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