Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly declared Eddie Howe ‘deserves’ the opportunity to join a ‘bigger club’ than Newcastle.Howe took charge of the Magpies in November 2021 and has overseen nearly 230 matches across all competitions.There is a sentiment Howe’s time as Magpies boss is almost upGettyIn that span, the 48-year-old helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for a major trophy as they beat Liverpool to win the 2025 Carabao Cup.Howe has also steered Newcastle to two Champions League campaigns in three seasons, the latest of which included a run to the last 16 where they were comprehensively beaten across two legs by Barcelona.Howe much longer?Despite the credit in the bank built up over the years, Howe has come under increasing scrutiny this term.Even though he guided Newcastle to the knockout stage of this season’s Champions League, Howe has overseen an alarming Premier League campaign.The Magpies sit 14th in the league on 42 points with four games remaining, a tally which leaves them all but certain to miss out on European football next term.A lack of European football next season means Newcastle’s finances will take a hit, a scenario which is highly likely to force them into a major player sale.Howe lost superstar striker Alexander Isak last summer to Liverpool in a record deal, although it was a messy saga that dragged on throughout the window.Anthony Gordon looms as the likeliest candidate for a move elsewhere in the summer, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich two clubs who appear to be the front-runners.As change amongst the playing squad looms, Howe’s future is also uncertain.talkSPORT understands Jose Mourinho has admirers among Newcastle’s board, while Xabi Alonso and Oliver Glasner could feature among the contenders.Howe could be poached by one of Newcastle’s Premier League rivalsGettyYet even if Howe is axed, the 48-year-old may not be out of work for long.Gabby: ‘Howe may have taken Toon as far as he can’Speaking on the Early Sports Breakfast, co-hosts Agbonlahor and Ally McCoist were asked for their thoughts on the prospect of Howe to Chelsea, who do not have a permanent manager for next season following Liam Rosenior’s recent departure.McCoist was not a fan of such a move and believed Howe deserves a chance to right this season’s wrongs at St James’ Park.“I want to see Eddie Howe stay at Newcastle,” McCoist said.“Get reinforcements in, no European football and Newcastle will finish top five.”However, Agbonlahor questioned whether Howe had simply reached the end of his road with Newcastle.The Blues will be on their sixth permanent manager in the BlueCo eraAFP“I hear exactly what you’re saying, but what if Eddie Howe is sitting there now saying, ‘Maybe I want to go, maybe I’ve taken Newcastle as far as I can go with them,'” Agbonlahor said.“I think he deserves to go a bigger club than Newcastle.”Is Howe a realistic chance of taking over Chelsea?The suggestion of Howe to Chelsea comes amid talkSPORT’s understanding he has admirers among the Chelsea hierarchy.However, Howe does not appear to have a straight run to the Stamford Bridge dugout.Andoni Iraola, who will depart Bournemouth at the end of the season, is understood to be a leading candidate for the vacancy.talkSPORT understands the Blues have already made contact with Iraola’s agent.Fulham boss Marco Silva, whose contract with the Cottagers expires this summer, is another name on the shortlist.