Eddie Howe turns down Lens approach, waits for right role

Eddie Howe has declined an approach from French club Lens and is waiting for a management opportunity he considers the right fit, according to reports attributed to people around the former Newcastle United manager. Lens made enquiries about Howe in September after parting company with manager Dino Toppmöller. The club competes in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, but Howe’s camp reportedly did not view the position as a suitable next step. The account of the approach and rejection has been attributed to TEAMtalk’s reporting and has not been confirmed directly by Howe. Howe, 48, has been out of work since leaving Newcastle at the end of July, after nearly five years in charge. The reports say he is open to returning to management but does not intend to rush into his next appointment. His representatives are assessing possible opportunities, according to the same reporting. The Lens approach came after Toppmöller’s departure in September. One account says the club subsequently promoted assistant Yannick Cahuzac to the manager’s role.