Brendan Rodgers was believed to be interested in becoming Newcastle United manager had the chance came his way this summer.
Those close to Rodgers say that the ex-Liverpool boss admires the Magpies and with Premier League managerial opportunities tough to come by he was receptive to the job at St James' Park if it had become available this summer.
Rodgers has respect for the fan-base and even at the fresher faced age of 46 in managerial terms, he felt he was at the right stage of his career for such a big challenge.
However, on Friday night, Rodgers will be facing the black and whites in Leicester colours after agreeing to take the job mid-season, and leaving Celtic.
That was something Rafa Benitez wasn't prepared to do despite being on City's wish-list meaning it could always be a case of what might have been for both clubs and both managers.
With Benitez's future at Newcastle still very much up in the air at the moment - even with just five games to go - there is much talk over what will happen in the summer rather than what could have happened had Rodgers been in the running for the soon to be vacant spot.
The uncertainty has allowed other managers to punt themselves forward for the job in advance.
Indeed, one of those managers jostling for position is ex-Benfica boss Jorge Jesus.
In Portugal, those around him are trying to play things cool but Jesus - who has not managed in one of Europe's big leagues - is desperate to get a Premier League club and would jump at the chance to manage Newcastle.
Another is Bruno Génésio who is set to leave Lyon at the end of the season.
Génésio is said to be brilliant at working with younger players and developing Academy talent - something which would work for Mike Ashley and his blueprint.
Although, while Génésio would be another interested in the Toon job, Newcastle insist they are focused on nothing but securing Benitez's services beyond this season.
The club are well aware of those taking advantage of the uncertainty at the minute with agents pushing their clients forward and linking them with Newcastle.
If the worst-case scenario does emerge and Benitez does not stay, Newcastle will have a hectic closed season on their hands as they not only look for players, but also attempt to find a replacement manager or head coach - not to mention a brand new back-room team as Benitez will take his staff with him to his next job.
Benitez's last game could be May 12 against Fulham but there's just six weeks between the final whistle blowing at Craven Cottage until pre-season training begins, shortly followed by Newcastle's pre-season trip to China in July.
Remember this summer's transfer window also shuts on August 8 - two days before the new Premier League season starts meaning whoever is manager has a short period to get their transfer short-list into shape.
It will be a difficult act to follow for anybody coming in after Benitez.
Given Newcastle's struggles to find a new manager after Alan Pardew, when talks with Remi Garde fell through in the early stages, and they ended up having to wait until May to appoint Steve McClaren, another period of struggle is on the cards.
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