There was some earlier gossip that BZG would like Mourinho. In fact he was one of the three names I put forward, along with Benitez, on 9th Jan 2016, along with Benitez. Mourinho is also reported as having turned down a lucrative Chinese job.Saw some of the usual shite on twatter earlier about the fakeover and Mourinho. Funnily enough on checking the latest odds, Jose's price is shortening everywhere.
Might be something but then again it could be people falling for an easily corrupt betting market.
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/manager-specials/newcastle-utd/next-permanent-manager
There is always the romantic link, having been mentored by SBR. However, the has to be doubt as to whether he would work under Ashley's constraints, despite having been on a budget at Porto. You're almost certainly right that speculation would be tied to a takeover. Is he a busted flush or wold he be backed with billions?
Even if the takeover is true, Ashley still has to agree to it and given the fee received for Ayoze, plus the projected fee for Longstaff, Ashley might feel that he can make more out of his model that he can by reinvesting in retail. In theory, there is enough cash in the pot for him to replay his "loan" if he wants to and still have a generous transfer kitty.
Let's just say that if Ashley goes, we might expect a supposedly top manager. If he stays, there is a name that has not been mentioned yet that I am considering putting some money on.