John Terry backed in among favourites to become new Newcastle boss as Chelsea legend takes coaching badges

JOHN TERRY has been backed in among the favourites to become the new Newcastle manager.

The Toon are looking for a new boss after Steve Bruce was axed earlier this month and handed an £8m pay-off.

John Terry holds up his pro licence after taking his coaching badgesInstagram

The 40-year-old was assistant head coach at Aston Villa, before leaving at the end of last season.

The Chelsea legend wants to become a manger now, and has been finishing off his coaching badges and getting his pro licence.

And Terry has been heavily backed in to take over the reigns at St James’ Park from Bruce.

The new Saudi owners have been searching for a replacement, as they look to build a Premier League superpower in the North-East.

And bookies Betfair has slashed his price from a hefty 66-1 to just 9-1 in the last two hours alone.

Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre are still the joint favourites to take the job, both priced at 9-2.

Belgium chief Roberto Martinez and Leonardo Jardim then come next, followed by Terry in a shock new twist.

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Meanwhile, it is claimed Newcastle are willing to make Erik ten Hag the Premier League’s third-best paid boss.

The Mail report the Ajax boss is wanted by the Toon, along with Manchester United with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer facing the axe.

The new owners are said to be willing to give Ten Hag more than £11million a year gross – about £6m AFTER tax.