Manchester City coach was 'in no rush' to become Newcastle United boss

And the Spaniard, a coach under Pep Guardiola at City, has revealed why he did not jump at the chance to take the Magpies hotseat.

“I was about to leave [for Arsenal], but I stopped myself. The first [time] was different, the second [Newcastle] was mostly me,” he told SER Catalunya.

“Firstly, that I am not in a hurry and I have not felt that I need to take the step.

“There are important conditions, especially in a first experience for me, that are vital. I learned that these are essential to develop what you want, no matter how clear your vision is.

“And the third is a matter of loyalty, when you promise someone to continue next year, with little time to manoeuvre, it was not appropriate to make that decision.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are expected to have cash to spend in the January transfer window – should Steve Bruce feel the need to strengthen.

Here’s the 13 players they may take a look at.

FULL STORY: The 13 deals Newcastle United could revisit in the January transfer window

It framed a summer – the will they, won’t they takeover saga involving Newcastle United and mystery gulf buyers the Bin Zayed Group.

Here’s the inside story on the summer that was (or wasn’t).

FULL STORY: Bin Zayed Group's failed Newcastle United takeover: Claims, counterclaims, false dawns & misplaced hope – the inside story

Elsewhere, Sean Longstaff has been hitting the headlines again – with Manchester United set to rekindle their interest in January.

FULL STORY: Newcastle United's resolve set to be tested as Premier League giants eye January move for key man

And the player has also addressed how the talk of a move from St James’s Park had an impact on him in the summer.

FULL STORY: Newcastle United's £50m-rated Sean Longstaff admits he was 'distracted' in a summer of links to Manchester United