Late U-turn puts Emery deal in doubt - NUFC scrambling to save deal after major own-goal?
As of late last night, it looked like Unai Emery's proposed move to St James' Park was set to go ahead in time for Saturday's trip to Brighton.
However, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague reported that Emery was set to reject a move to Tyneside and remain at Villarreal.
He claimed that the 50-year-old had been left unsure of the club's structure moving forward and unimpressed by the number of leaks stating he was set for the job - which came at the worst possible time, just hours before his side played Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League.
Both points raise real concerns, especially if Amanda Staveley and Co have shot themselves in the foot by informing the press of his 'imminent' appointment before they were in a position to do so.
So, how have the local media responded to talk of this sudden U-turn this morning?
The Mail's Craig Hope - who seemed adamant last night that Emery was on his way to Newcastle - says this is news to our new owners, who are now exchanging phone calls in a bid to get this deal back on track.
The Chronicle's Lee Ryder claims that emergency talks were held between Villarreal and Emery around midnight last night, resulting in billionaire owner Fernando Roig briefing Spanish press that his manager will now reject any offer that comes their way.
Sky Sports' Keith Downie also had this to say outside St James' Park this morning, feeling this is a critical day and 'difficult situation' as we risk missing out on our number one target:
