Rafael Benitez is still being considered by Chelsea for their vacant manager’s role and will be spoken to if Frank Lampard is not appointed, according to journalist Lee Ryder.
The Chronicle writer states that despite the Spaniard’s links to his former club, Lampard is still considered as their number one target.
🗣️ "He's still well liked by the powers that be at Chelsea."
Hear from @lee_ryder head of an 'intriguing week' for Rafa Benitez and #NUFC pic.twitter.com/D1mf8Rpmlh
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) June 17, 2019
Ryder suggested that should for whatever reason Lampard not agree to a deal at Stamford Bridge, Benitez would definitely be spoke to ahead of next season.
Speaking on a video on the Chronicle’s Twitter account, Ryder said: “If Lampard didn’t get the job then Benitez would be considered, that much is sure. They would definitely talk to him.”
The former Liverpool man has entered the final two weeks of his deal at the Magpies, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
OPINION
The longer this contract situation goes on, the more nervous every single Newcastle fan will become. It is quickly becoming out of hand for everyone involved, and with time ticking down a new deal has to be agreed too. Despite Benitez famously being disliked by the Chelsea fans, there wouldn’t be many better options available to them right now, with the Spaniard holding much more experience than Lampard especially. Benitez would fit the profile perfectly for Chelsea, who will be undergoing a transfer ban in the upcoming seasons. He would be forced to work with the club’s youngsters on a tight budget, something he has been forced to do at St James’ Park in his three years in the North East. A glimmer of hope for Newcastle fans is that Benitez is reluctant to sign a new deal because of him wanting promises he will be backed in the transfer window, so it is very much possible that the Chelsea job would not appeal to him with their transfer activity suspended.
