Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is being lined up to replace Roberto Mancini as manager of Russian Premier League side Zenit St Petersburg this summer, according to a report.
The Chronicle claim on their website that the side who finished fifth in Russia’s top flight are keen for another big name to take charge after former Manchester City boss Mancini left to take over in the dugout of Italy’s national side.
Zenit, who are known for splashing the cash on their squad, are said to be willing to offer Benitez a hefty transfer budget, something he is unlikely to get at Newcastle right now, as well as a cushy lifestyle in Russia’s second biggest city, which sits in the very north west of the country.
OPINION
While Zenit might be keen on taking Benitez over to Russia, fans should be assured that the Spaniard would not be keen on heading over there. He is happy and settled in England and has already spoken about his desire to keep battling it out in the league where he established himself as a household name with Liverpool. The chances of him leaving Newcastle for a foreign side seem slim at best, no matter the sort of transfer kitty that can be offered his way, and only a Premier League rival pouncing on his capture should cause the Toon Army any worry this summer. Still, with Mike Ashley in charge, who knows how things are going to go, and there might be such a difference in views for the club’s future that they part ways. That is unlikely this summer but as the next 12 months progress, things will have to change for the better. Plus, Benitez’s contract runs out next summer, and fans would be fuming if he was allowed to walk away without Newcastle putting up a fight.