Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Jorge Jesus.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Newcastle United are interested in manager Jorge Jesus as concern about Rafael Benitez’s future continue.
The Magpies lost 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, meaning they aren’t quite safe from relegation just yet, but still look to be a decent bet for Premier League football next season.
Whether Benitez will be there or not is another matter. The Spaniard is out of contract this summer, meaning he is edging ever closer to leaving St James’ Park.
Benitez told Sky Sports on Saturday that he is ‘not too close’ to an agreement on a new deal, and time is running out for Newcastle to give Benitez what he needs in order to stay.
Just as those Benitez comments have emerged, Newcastle have been linked with another manager. Record in Portugal report that Newcastle are battling for the services of Jorge Jesus following his exit from Al-Hilal.
Jesus, 64, is best remembered for his time at Benfica, where he won three league titles, one cup and five league cups, as well as reaching two Europa League finals – one against Benitez in 2013.
The Portuguese boss controversially moved on to Lisbon rivals Sporting in 2015, winning 64% of his games before heading to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, boasting a remarkable 80% win rate in 20 games – but left in January having been reluctant to sign a contract extension.
Jesus is now looking to get back into management this summer, and it seems that he could be a top option for Newcastle if they can’t convince Benitez to stay.
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