Unai Emery is set to turn down the chance to manage Newcastle United, and instead remain with Villarreal, according to reports.

Over the last couple of days, rumours emerged that Unai Emery had become the favourite for the head coach job at Newcastle United.

Patrick Berger of SPORT1 reported that the Newcastle board were pushing to get a deal done in time for the international break, and David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed he was the leading contender. But now it looks like it’s not going to happen.

Guillem Balague (via BBC) reports that Emery’s camp were confused by the reports that the shortlist was down to him and Eddie Howe, considering the vast difference between the two coaches in terms of style and experience.

Emery was left feeling there was a lack of clear vision from the club, and their approach was rushed. As a result, he’ll turn down the offer.

Craig Hope of the Daily Mail reports that as recently as last night, Newcastle believed Emery wanted the job and expected the details to be finalised in time to meet the players on Thursday afternoon. Now, the signs from Spain are that he’s pulling out.

Previous reports from the Mail suggested Newcastle had also spoken to Howe, Paulo Fonseca, Roberto Martinez, and Lucien Favre. Perhaps they’ll now return to someone on that shortlist.