Rafa Benitez’s contract at Newcastle expires in the summer and Premier League rivals Leicester City could hire him to replace Claude Puel.
Leicester City could offer Rafa Benitez an escape out of Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to the Northern Echo.
The Spaniard has spoken about his desire to build a dynasty at St James’ Park but it seems to have become increasingly apparent that one of England’s most underachieving clubs cannot match the ambition of the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss.
As a result, the Northern Echo reports that Benitez has refused to discuss signing a new deal so far after another disappointing transfer window which has seen the club fail to bring in a single new player.
A deal for Lazio left-back Jordan Lukaku fell apart due to concerns over his fitness while Newcastle look set to miss out on Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron despite agreeing personal terms with the Paraguay international.
As a result, the report claims that Leicester are aware of Benitez’s contract situation and have identified him as their top target should they decide to dispense with the perennially under-fire Claude Puel in a few months’ time.
The chance to work at a top-10 club who are not averse to spending big might appeal to Benitez, though he will not walk away mid-season with Newcastle’s survival still on the line.
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