Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez could well be set to leave St James’ Park this summer, with Spain considering him as a potential new national team coach, The Daily Star report.
The former Real Madrid boss has answered the North East outfit’s SOS after a dismal campaign under Steve McClaren but faces a significant challenge in keeping the Tyneside team in the Premier League.
With seven games remaining, Newcastle find themselves six points from safety and need to start winning games soon to avoid a drop to The Championship.
The latest reports suggest that Benitez and former Porto coach Julien Lopetegui are the two frontrunners to become the new Spain boss.
Current incumbent Vicente del Bosque is widely expected to step down from the national role after this summer’s Euro 2016 tournament in France.
Benitez has a clause in his contract that will allow him to walk away from Newcastle should the club be relegated, but should he keep the Magpies up and Spain come knocking it remains to be seen what will happen.
