Newcastle United have been 'inundated' with offers to replace Rafa Benitez this summer - according to reports.
Benitez's contract runs out on June 30th and despite discussions over a new deal, the Spaniard's future at St James' Park is far from certain.
The 59-year-old claimed last week that discussions were in the same place they were last month and he continues to 'wait' for an answer to questions he has put to managing director Lee Charnley.
However according to TEAMtalk if Benitez does leave in two months time, United should have no issue in replacing him as 'a number' of 'big names' have approached the club to replace him.
One of those linked is Fred Rutten, who was sacked last week by Belgian side Anderlecht after just three months in charge.
Rutten was not the side's first choice, with Frank de Boer and Phillip Cocu approached, but was finally offered a deal.
However Rutten was given sack after managing only five wins in 13 games, and leaving Anderlecht facing the possibility of not qualifying for Europe for the first time in 55 years.
European football in Belgium is achieved through a play-off system - the top six sides battling for Champions League qualification or Europa League spot. Under Rutten, Anderlecht lost the first three games of the play-offs and saw the fourth against Standar Liege abandoned after fans hurled smoke bombs onto the pitch.
Rutten was sacked shortly after.
The Dutchman has previously been in charge of PSV and Twente - where he won the Dutch version of the FA Cup in 2001.
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio is another name linked with the Frenchman already confirmed to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.
AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso is another name linked - this time by Italian media. However the former Rangers man has addressed the rumours as 'unfounded.'
Chronicle Live understands that Newcastle are 100% focused on agreeing a new deal with Rafa Benitez.
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