Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly being considered by Spain to take over from Julen Lopetegui after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Real Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that Lopetegui would be taking charge at the Bernabeu at the conclusion of the Russia showpiece, replacing Zinedine Zidane who left just days after winning a third straight Champions League crown.
That has left Spain with a gap to fill in just over a month’s time and there have already been several names linked with the position, including Benitez.
The 58-year-old has done a fantastic job since taking charge at the Magpies, having led the club to the Championship title in the 2016/17 campaign before finishing 10th in the Premier League this past season.
With a lack of funds provided by owner Mike Ashley, Benitez has had to make the most out of loan deals which has made the job he has done look even more impressive.
Newcastle are yet to get the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss to put pen-to-paper on new terms and, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season, supporters are getting worried about the situation.
There may be even more reason for the fans to feel nervous, with reports now suggesting Spain are eyeing up Benitez as a possible replacement for Lopetegui.
The last eight Spain managers have all hailed from that country and the Newcastle chief fits the bill perfectly, having grown up in Madrid.
At the moment, Benitez is preparing for another season with the Magpies as he aims to build on that 10th-place finish.
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