How Newcastle could line up under Antonio Conte if Saudis axe Steve Bruce and lure Italian

Midfield – Murphy, Hayden, Shelvey, Willock, Ritchie

Conte would likely look to push his wing-backs forward to help Newcastle become more of an attacking threat while still expecting them to tighten up out of possession.

Jacob Murphy could line-up on the right, with Matt Ritchie being used on the left.

Murphy was involved in 15 goals in 39 Championship appearances for Sheffield Wednesday the season before last so certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Ritchie has the added bonus of offering a threat from his sweetly-struck set-piece deliveries and will give his side a much-needed edge.

Conte will want to pack his midfield tightly to ensure Newcastle aren’t overrun in possession and will want to get Jonjo Shelvey fit quickly after the former Liverpool man sustained a calf injury on the opening weekend of the season.

Shelvey is one of Newcastle’s most talented players and can turn defence into attack with his excellent passing and shooting abilities.

The England international will line-up in a midfield three alongside Isaac Hayden and Joe Willock.

Hayden would protect the back three by challenging for the ball and tracking back, while Willock will have more of a license to push forward and rediscover the scoring touch which saw him find the back of the net eight times in 14 games during his loan spell from Arsenal last season.