Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez could still leave the club this summer.
According to L’Equipe, Newcastle United are interested in landing Lyon boss Bruno Genesio if Rafael Benitez leaves St James’ Park this summer.
Benitez’s contract with the Magpies expires this summer, and whilst the deal for Miguel Almiron in January has given fans hope of the Spaniard staying put, no new contract has been sorted for Benitez yet.
That means that Newcastle are still heading towards the end of the season with a managerial concern, and they may have to start considering alternatives just in case Benitez does go.
Now, L’Equipe report that Newcastle hold an interest in Lyon boss Genesio, whose contract also ends this summer, meaning he would be available for free, with no compensation required.
It’s claimed that Newcastle have charged agent Pini Zahavi with finding potential managerial candidates, and having recently started working with Genesio, Zahavi has put the Lyon boss forward.
Genesio left a real impact on many in England having guided his Lyon side to a victory over Manchester City in the Champions League this season, whilst his side also gave Barcelona a scare in the knockout stages before a late flurry of goals on Wednesday night.
The 52-year-old has particularly impressed with nurturing Lyon’s young players, developing the likes of Ferland Mendy, Tanguy Ndombele, Houssem Aouar, Nabil Fekir, Memphis Depay, Bertrand Traore, Moussa Dembele and Lucas Tousart.
Lyon has been Genesio’s only managerial job, but after four years in the job, he could move on this summer – and Newcastle appear to be keen on landing him as a replacement for Benitez should he decide to move on this summer.
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