Former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte would reportedly reject the opportunity to become Newcastle United manager following the Magpies’ takeover.

After a Saudi-backed consortium ended Mike Ashley’s 14-year spell in the St James’ Park office, Newcastle’s new owners are being tipped to replace Steve Bruce as manager in the coming months.

Conte has been out of the game since departing Inter at the end of their title-winning campaign last term, and the Italian was originally reported to be the favourite to take over in the North East..

However, The Sun claims that Conte would turn down the chance to take charge should the job become available, with the 52-year-old keen for his next club to already be challenging for titles.

The report adds that Conte is not interested in joining the long-term project at Newcastle, but his head could be turned if the Magpies’ silverware ambitions come to fruition in the coming years.

Conte has won the Premier League, FA Cup and four Serie A titles during his managerial career, while Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have also been linked with the Newcastle job.