Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is being considered as a shock contender by Spain to take up the job as the country’s new boss, according to the Northern Echo.
The newspaper reports on their website that Benitez is being considered for the job by the Spanish FA, following current head coach Julen Lopetegui’s intentions to join forces with Real Madrid.
The job was previously vacant following Spain’s failure to defend their European Championship title in 2016 under Vicente del Bosque, which Benitez was again linked with.
This means his future at St James’ Park looks uncertain after being seen as a serious candidate for the role, and Benitez is weighing up his options over a new contract depending on what happens with the club in this transfer window.
OPINION
Newcastle have thrived under the management of Rafa Benitez, and after his previous stints at Liverpool and Chelsea, it is easy to see why Spain are considering him for the top job. He has proved his pedigree in past, proving particularly successful with Liverpool by winning the Champions League. Newcastle achieved a top ten finish under him in the first season back in the Premier League, which is a remarkable achievement for a club that has just come back to the top flight. He is capable of leading Spain to great things and reviving their status as a world-class force on the international stage, which they have struggled with following their 2010 World Cup win. Benitez is famous for getting the best out of his players, and he would be sorely missed by the Toon Army if he did decide to take up the job at Spain – however, a manager of his pedigree deserves to be at the highest level in the game and he would find it hard to turn down the offer.