Reports: Rafa Benitez Newcastle United’s second-choice, would cost £20 million

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Newcastle United have reportedly earmarked Mauricio Pochettino as their first-choice to take over from Steve Bruce at St James’ Park. 

As reported by Sky Sports, the Argentine former Tottenham boss is the number one pick to become the new Newcastle manager once the club’s Saudi-backed takeover is complete. 

But the report also makes it clear that Pochettino would take some talking around on a project in its absolute infancy. 

However, a back-up plan is in the works. 

The report claims that should Newcastle fail to secure Pochettino, they will look to bring Rafa Benitez back to the club from the Chinese side Dalian Yifang. 

That would also please Newcastle fans, as the Spaniard was a vastly popular figure during his time at St James’ Park. 

But it would not come cheap. As reported by Sky Sports, Benitez is currently on £12 million-a-year, after-tax, in China. 

Not only that but to secure him would also take a huge buyout. As reported by The Chronicle, Newcastle would need to pay Dalian £20 million to remove Benitez from his contract. The Daily Mail previously claimed that such a fee was a world record break clause for a manager. 

Whatever Newcastle’s plans under new ownership look like, they increasingly appear to be without current boss Steve Bruce and at great expense.