OPINION
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez will reportedly be interested in the West Ham job if Slaven Bilic does depart the London Stadium.
The Telegraph claim that the Magpies boss has grown frustrated at his club’s transfer business in the summer and that his future at St James’ Park is in “serious doubt”.
It is understood that Benitez will even express an interest in becoming West Ham manager if Bilic is sacked.
Bilic is already under immediate pressure this season following three consecutive league defeats as the Hammers were confident of mounting a European push.
The Telegraph have reported that the Croatian has four gams to save his West Ham job after the international break after holding talks with the owners.
Good move for West Ham?
West Ham are persisting with Bilic for the meantime, but Benitez could be a good alternative if they do decide to look for a change of manager.
The Hammers are giving Bilic one last chance to save his job and he will need some positive results against Huddersfield and West Brom.
The Croatian has seen a lot of great players move to the London Stadium over the summer including the likes of Javier Hernandez, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Pablo Zabaleta.
However, they have made a dreadful start to the campaign and need a fresh spark.
Benitez would be frontrunner for the job and the experienced Spaniard could be a great fit.
He has worked with top players before during his time with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool, meaning he should be able to galvanise the West Ham squad.
West Ham want to be in and around the European spots this season and Benitez could help them achieve that if they decide against Bilic.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
There would still have to be quite a few shock to see Benitez end up at the London Stadium, but it is possible further down the line.
West Ham are giving Bilic one last chance to save his job and he will need his players to perform to dig him out of a whole.
However, given the poor start and the outcry from fans it would be no surprise to see Bilic axed in the next couple of months given the rising expectation.
Benitez is also clearly frustrated at Newcastle and is not being given the tools needed to help the North East club improve and compete in the top flight.
His departure does seem quite probable and his reported interest in the West Ham position means he could end up managing in London this season.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10