Rafael Benitez has a pre-agreed relegation clause in his contract with Newcastle which allows him to part ways with the Magpies should they suffer the dreaded drop to the Championship this summer.
Newcastle are hopeful that they can convince Benitez to stay but, according to the Mail Online, West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis is already being eyed up as a potential successor.
The Magpies’ hierarchy are said to be planning for the worst case scenario by looking for a back-up plan. The main attribute for the shortlist must be a track record of gaining promotion and then cementing the club’s Premier League status. Lee Charnley and the board see Pulis as that option.
Pulis’ future is yet to be decided at West Brom after a somewhat average season, leading the Baggies to 11th in the league, thirteen points clear of the drop. However, he recently told the media:
I would prefer to sit with Jeremy and have a nice glass of wine and a bite to eat. We’ll talk about the season and talk about the future.I still have a year left, there’s no rush in doing anything else.
Pulis still has a year left on his contract, but it’s unclear whether he’ll remain at The Hawthorns, with the Mail Online claiming the Welshman is looking for a new challenge and the prospect of a club Newcastle’s size appeals to him.
