Former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann is the latest left-field name to be linked with the Newcastle United manager's job - but the club's sole priority remains convincing current boss Rafa Benitez to sign a new deal.
The Magpies mathematically guaranteed their top-flight status over the weekend by defeating Southampton 3-1 at St James' Park, but Benitez admitted after the game that he is still "waiting for answers" to the proposals he has put to the club.
Before the 59-year-old will sign a new deal, he has stressed that he wants greater control over the club's recruitment process, as well as a "competitive" budget and wage structure, and also confirmation that Newcastle's hierarchy match his own ambitions to compete for a top-eight finish, European football and domestic trophies.
Managing director Lee Charnley has attempted to tie Benitez down to a new contract for more than 16 months - the subject was first broached during the January transfer window in 2018 - but the Spaniard has repeatedly postponed discussions.
However, the Newcastle manager re-initiated talks earlier this month and, now that the Magpies are safe, Benitez hopes to find a swift resolution.
Given that Benitez's deal expires on June 30, however, there remains a real possibility that United will need a new manager in place for the 2019/20 campaign - and agents have been attempting to use this uncertainty in order to push their clients Newcastle's way.
It is understood that dozens of calls and emails suggesting potential successors to Benitez have been made by intermediaries, but the United hierarchy have dismissed them all because their sole focus is on convincing their current manager to sign an extension.
One such coach who is now being touted for the Newcastle job in the French media is former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Klinsmann, who has been out of work since leaving his role as the USA national coach in 2016.
The 54-year-old former striker - who won the 1990 World Cup with Germany, the Bundesliga title with Bayern and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan during his playing days - has played down speculation he will take charge at Hertha Berlin this summer.
Yet publication France Football claims that both Everton and Newcastle could turn to Klinsmann should Marco Silva or Benitez depart.
Klinsmann joins a list of managers linked with the St James' Park role that includes ex-Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner, Lyon's Bruno Genesio and ex-Benfica coach Jorge Jesus.
As things stand, Newcastle have not approached anyone about potentially succeeding Benitez, or even agreed to accept CVs of any coaches potentially interested in the role - and instead will look to continue their delicate negotiations with the Spaniard in the coming days and weeks.
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