BRENDAN RODGERS has been chosen by Newcastle's new owners to become their next manager.

The former Celtic gaffer has reportedly been pinpointed as the north-east club's number one candidate to replace current boss Steve Bruce.

The Geordie side were taken over by the Saudi Arabian public investment fund last week, with the club entering a new era post-Mike Ashley.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard had been installed as the early bookies' favourite to be drafted in to take over the reigns from Bruce. 

However, yesterday, the Gers manager drifted out on the odds, as Leicester gaffer Rodgers shot to the favourite position.

Now, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Irishman is the man the Newcastle powerbrokers want to lead them into their new future.

Since departing Celtic in 2019, Rodgers has turned the Foxes into a top-four challenging force, regularly beating the traditional big sides.

They famously defeated Chelsea in last season's FA Cup final, and in this term's Community Shield they brushed off Manchester City.

It's said by Di Marzio that Newcastle will need to trigger Rodgers' £16million release clause to enable him to leave.