Rafa Benitez will be Newcastle United’s first choice managerial target if Amanda Staveley’s PCP group finally seals its takeover of the struggling Premier League outfit, according to the Northern Echo.
As long as Mike Ashley remains, so too does Steve Bruce. At least that’s how it appears, with the Newcastle owner standing firm behind his embattled boss, even during a miserable run of results that has raised fears of a third relegation in the past 12 years.
A 2-0 defeat away at Aston Villa on Saturday night flattered the visitors, if anything, with Newcastle losing for the sixth time in eight matches. They have failed to score in five of those games.
Bruce still has the backing of Ashley, although you get the feeling if the Sports Direct tycoon was to sell up tomorrow he would be sharing a taxi with his 60-year-old coach.
The Northern Echo claims if PCP Capital Partners finally completes its takeover of the Tyneside giants, the messianic figure of Benitez will be offered a return to the club he saved from the jaws of the Championship during his time in charge at St James’ Park.
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan boss is without a club after walking away from Chinesea outfit Dalian Yifang last week.
However, the Echo adds Benitez won’t make an emotional return as long as Ashley is pulling the strings.
Their relationship became strained before Benitez’s contract expired in 2019, with Bruce arriving as the Spaniard’s replacement.
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