Newcastle United news: Two shock names emerge as favourites to replace Rafa Benitez as as winger deal reportedly edges closer
United announced this morning that Benitez’s three-year tenure at St James’s Park would come to an end on Sunday, when his current contract runs out.
And since then rumours have been flying about as to who could replace him in the Magpies’ hotseat.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJose Mourinho was installed as an early favourite by the bookmakers, with Mikel Arteta and Garry Monk also fancied, but, according to Sky Sports, it is another former Chelsea manager, Grant, who is firmly in the running to step into the considerable hole left behind after Benitez’s exit.
Israeli Grant has most recently been working as an advisor to a side called NorthEast United in the Indian Super League, before that he was Ghana coach from 2014 to 2017. The Daily Mail has since refuted Sky’s claim.
Another name mentioned in various reports is that of relative unknown candidate Anthony Hudson.
Hudson is a former Tottenham Hotspur reserve manager, who has since worked in the MLS with Colorado Rapids, as well as on the international stage with New Zealand and Bahrain. He also had a short spell as manager of Newport County.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAccording to TeamTALK, United chief Lee Charnley is set to hold talks with the America via Skype today, following the news of Benitez’s exit.
Either of these appointments, especially Hudson, is unlikely to appease fan anger at United.
Meanwhile, despite the club’s managerial uncertainty, reports in France claim OGC Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin is close to agreeing personal terms over a £25million move.