As Rafael Benitez is talked up as a contender to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, who could Newcastle United turn to if he left?
Newcastle United’s win over Arsenal at the weekend has certainly got people talking, with plenty of suggestion out there that Rafael Benitez has shown himself to be an ideal replacement for Arsene Wenger.
Having beaten the Gunners 2-1 in their Premier League clash, Benitez showed just what a fine job he has continued to do at St James’ Park and how he could be managing at a higher level again before long.
Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT he believes the Spaniard would be just what Arsenal need, so should the Magpies have some replacements in mind just in case?
Here is our pick of five realistic candidates who could be just the right appointment for Newcastle if their manager is poached this summer:
Sean Dyche (Burnley)
Arguably manager of the season in the Premier League, Sean Dyche has worked wonders at Burnley and surely deserves a crack at a more prestigious job.
No disrespect to the Clarets, but Dyche may relish the prospect of taking on some bigger names and leading a team out in front of that St James’ Park crowd.
Having built a solid Burnley team that never know they are beaten, the 46-year-old would ensure a smooth transition from Benitez if he were to move on.
Carlos Carvalhal (Swansea City)
On a short-term deal at Swansea that expires at the end of the season, one imagines there will be a few clubs looking closely at Carlos Carvalhal this summer.
The Portuguese tactician has done superbly to get the Swans out of trouble, bringing confidence back to a side that looked doomed just a few months ago.
A bit of a character as well, one can imagine Carvalhal would go down very well with the Newcastle faithful.
Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)
It is hard to tell what kind of next move awaits Brendan Rodgers after his fine work at Celtic, but Newcastle could be just the right level for him.
Bigger clubs may be unsure of Rodgers’ suitability given the level of competition in Scotland, but he has shown he is a cut above by winning the title with a record number of points last season.
On the solid foundations Benitez has built, Rodgers could introduce more of a swagger to the Newcastle side and give them the all-round qualities needed to mount a genuine challenge for a Europa League place.
Eddie Howe (Bournemouth)
A highly-rated young English managerial mind, Eddie Howe has impressed at Bournemouth and has long been tipped to take a bigger job.
The 40-year-old probably is not ready for the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea just yet, so Newcastle could be the perfect stepping stone for him to work out how he copes with pressure.
Few fans are more demanding than the St James’ Park crowd, but Howe looks to have what it takes to build a solid team that can play entertaining football as well.
Marco Silva (Unattached)
Currently without a club, there will surely be plenty of interest in former Hull City and Watford boss Marco Silva this summer.
Having impressed in his two spells in the Premier League so far, Silva could be ideal for Newcastle if they do lose Benitez.
The Portuguese has shown what he can do with lower-level sides but looks to have what it takes to lead a more ambitious club such as Newcastle.
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