Cash-rich Zenit Saint Petersburg are continuing to monitor Rafa Benitez’s situation at Newcastle United, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim that the Russian Premier League club are in the market for a new manager after the departure of Roberto Mancini, as he left to take over the Italian national side.
The Chronicle report that Zenit are able to offer Benitez a competitive transfer budget and a life of luxury in the illustrious Russian city.
The Chronicle previously reported on Saturday that the Magpies manager’s position at the club is still vulnerable as he yet to sign new deal, despite the club being confident about keeping him.
OPINION
Benitez will continue to be vulnerable to other clubs’ approaches as long as his future isn’t officially confirmed. As the Chronicle report states, the manager’s current deal has a £6million exit clause and given his talents, he is sure to keep having clubs pursue him. While it’s fantastic news that the Magpies are confident of keeping him, as a fan, it’s hard to have any faith until a contract is signed. No one would blame Benitez for leaving St James Park in order to go to a club like Zenit as they would not only give him a promising transfer budget, but would offer him a lucrative deal. However clearly Benitez’s preference would be to stay in England with the Magpies, and everything should be done by Mike Ashley to ensure that happens. With Zenit waiting in the wings to scoop Benitez up if he decides to walkaway from St James Park anytime soon, then the Magpies owner will surely act swiftly to ensure that isn’t an option the manager would take.
