Newcastle United have identified former Huddersfield boss David Wagner as a possible replacement if Rafael Benitez leaves, according to the Times.
The newspaper reports on their website that the club are yet to re-open talks over a new deal for the Spaniard – whose current deal expires at the end of the season – and despite them wanting their manager to stay, Wagner has popped up in talks as a possible option.
The report adds that that United are making contingency plans in case he ends up leaving, whilst Everton have also targeted him as a possible replacement for Marco Silva.
OPINION
The last thing Newcastle fans would want is for Benitez to leave in the summer, but at this moment in time, anything could happen at the end of the season. If he does depart, then Wagner is a very good option to replace him. He helped Huddersfield achieve promotion to the Premier League and has since proved he can hack it in the top-flight prior to him leaving the club. However, appointing him would be a last resort for Newcastle, and their prime focus should be getting Benitez to sign a new deal at the club. Yes, it is good to have a plan in place in case he leaves, but their manager staying should be their main concern. Newcastle are starting to piece together some good results that is allowing them to stretch further away from the relegation zone, and considering they have signed the likes of Miguel Almiron recently, there is not much more Newcastle can do to convince him to stay.