Newcastle United's would-be owners have made no moves to approach potential new managers - despite a spate of links over the weekend.
Ex-Toon boss Rafa Benitez, former Tottenham Hotspur chief Mauricio Pochettino and Serie A managerial legend Massimiliano Allegri have all come into the conversation in light of a takeover attempt from Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Those close to three managers say no approaches representing United have made a move recently.
However, with the takeover deal now in the hands of the Premier League, the consortium have not reached the point of reviewing the position of Steve Bruce.
Suggestions that Bruce will be the head coach when the season resumes are accurate, but the club again issued a "no comment" status when approached by Chronicle Live today on reports that the deal was close to completion.
Benitez is preparing for the Chinese Super League to restart with Dalian Yifang and has a £20million release clause in his contract.
Speaking about Newcastle back in 2019, Benitez, in a piece with the Daily Mail, the Spanish boss said: "Newcastle was another challenge.
"A massive club, a fanbase supporting the team, a whole city.
"But after a few months, you could see it was a different vision.
"The takeover was not coming and we needed to think about other options."
There's no doubt Staveley had a friendship and admiration for Benitez but it would premature to start talking about new appointments at this point.
