Rafa Benitez is believed to be on Paris Saint-Germain's radar as pressure grows on current boss Thomas Tuchel.
Sources in France have suggested that PSG are drawing up a contingency plan for Tuchel if he does not sign a new deal.
Benitez recently denied that he had held talks with a French agent to discuss managerial possibilities in Ligue 1 this season.
However, PSG chief Tuchel has fallen out with some of the big stars at the oil-rich French giants following a poor run of form.
PSG's defeat against Manchester United sparked some uncertainty behind the scenes and a new contract that was on the table for Tuchel is yet to be signed.
The Rafa Benitez BT Sport interview that got Newcastle United fans talking - full transcript
The Ligue 1 side have lost their last two games and drawn the other after failing to seal the title.
Tuchel's comments after a 3-2 loss to Nantes have also irked the dressing room at PSG.
He said: "We can lose, we can do mistakes, and we will always defend players if they play with a good mentality, with desire and as a team.
"I always defend my players, but today it's not possible.
"We played like amateurs."
Tuhcel's PSG face Monaco tonight as they look to seal the title after three failed attempts in the last three matches.
Serial trophy winner Benitez would fit the bill for the Parc des Princes outfit and he would also get the chance of another crack at the Champions League.
Mike Ashley returns from an Easter break next week and will want an update on where things stand on Benitez's contract.
Newcastle claim there is an offer in waiting for Benitez but he has claimed that nothing has progressed recently.
Benitez said on Friday: "I finish my contract on June 30 and I am professional.
"I have a lot of things I want to do.
"I can't talk with people (his players) about their future when I don't know my own."
Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: "We don't want to comment on speculation about the manager's future.
"We would prefer for conversations between Rafa and the club to remain between us.
"We will communicate with supporters as soon as there is a formal update."
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