West Ham are being tipped to return for Rafa Benitez as their managerial choice should they decide to fire Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers are ready to give Bilic time to turn the club’s fortunes but the former Liverpool boss was their number one choice when they were looking to replace Sam Allardyce and could be the first stop in the event of a Bilic farewell.
However, with the Hammers deep in relegation trouble and the Geordies well placed for a Premier League return a move to London may not appeal to the 55 year old.
And even if it did, and could be negotiated with two years left on his Newcastle contract, a hefty compensation package would be involved.
Roberto Mancini has been freely mentioned as a target but the former Manchester City boss had player relationship issues at the Etihad – the last thing the Irons need – and does not figure in the Irons thinking.
Benitez was an hour from becoming Hammers boss before receiving a call from Madrid where he decided on an ill fated move to the Spanish giants.
Following their relegation Newcastle are now top of the Championship after 20 games.