Perhaps a shock name but someone who has grown in stature in recent seasons.
At Real Madrid, Cement is learning from one of the best managers in the game and Carlo Ancelotti knows just how good his number two is.
Clement may want to branch out into management after so many years as an assistant and this could be one of the biggest and best chances that will come his way.
The choice may not go down as well with the fans as some – but the connections Clement now has could well see the Magpies benefit from loans and moves in the future.