“I know for sure” – Journalist close to Benitez reveals 4 managers & 1 new name on Saudis shortlist

Guillem Balague claims to “know for sure” that the potential new owners of Newcastle are planning to replace Steve Bruce with one of Mauricio Pochettino, Rafa Benitez, Max Allegi or Julian Nagelsmann.

While Poch, Rafa and Allegri have all been regularly linked with the job in recent weeks, this is the first we’ve heard regarding RB Leipzig boss Nagelsmann.

That said, Balague doesn’t see the highly-rated German moving anytime soon, with him currently competing for the Bundesliga title and guiding Leipzig to the Champions League quarter finals with a 4-0 aggregate win over Spurs before all football was suspended.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, here’s what Balague – a close friend of Rafa Benitez’s – had to say on the prospective new owners alleged targets to replace Steve Bruce:

“What I know for sure that Pochettino, Rafa Benitez and Allegri are the three names on the table for Newcastle.

“They want one of those four actually. Nagelsmann as well,” 

“They want to convince one of them.

“I believe Rafa Benitez hasn’t got a call yet, I know that Pochettino is aware of the interest.

“In the case of Allegri, ambitious as well, but of course without experience in the Premier League experience.

“Nagelsmann is very happy at the moment in Germany with a club that are fighting for the title and for that reason doesn’t want to go anywhere either.”

So, he reckons Rafa Benitez hasn’t got the call ‘yet’ – but seems certain of their interest – while stating that Pochettino is now aware that the would-be buyers are keen to see him in the hot seat at St James’ Park.

As for Allegri, Balague mentions his lack of experience in the Premier League, however that in itself could tempt the former Juventus boss, with him yet to test himself in English football.

Lots of big talk and exciting names being linked, but it can only mean so much until we receive official confirmation announcing Mike Ashley’s exit!

Let’s hope we get the announcement we’ve all been waiting for ASAP.

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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