According to the Chronicle, Rafa Benitez would be on the shortlist to replace Slaven Bilic should West Ham part ways with their Croatian coach.
The pressure is mounting on Bilic after a torrid start to the Premier League campaign – his side currently sit in 17th place with only 11 points from their first 12 games. This severe lack of form means that Bilic’s side sits only one point above the relegation zone.
Benitez has always been admired by the West Ham hierarchy, and it is believed that the Spaniard had all but agreed to take over at the East London club back in the summer of 2015, but he changed his mind after Real Madrid made a late offer for his services.
As well as Benitez, Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, former City boss Roberto Mancini and Marseille manager Rudi Garcia will also most likely be on the shortlist should Bilic not be able to turn around his side’s fortunes quickly.
However, we should not worry as it seems highly unlikely that Benitez would leave Tyneside for East London. The Spaniard has total control of football affairs at Newcastle, has built a great relationship with the Geordie faithful and has led the Magpies to the top of the table and to the quarter finals of the EFL cup. To top it off, he has stressed repeatedly that he is happy at the club.
Overall, it would be a huge shock to see Benitez leave Newcastle.
