Gerrard on shortlist to replace Benitez at Newcastle

Steven Gerrard is on Newcastle United’s shortlist to replace Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park, according to the Telegraph.

The former Liverpool captain is currently spearheading Rangers’ recruitment drive in Scotland, where he recently acquired winger Sheyi Ojo on loan.

Midfielder Ryan Kent is another target for the Reds legend, but if Newcastle have their way, he may not be at the Ibrox helm for much longer.

READ: Fernandes “would be a tremendous acquisition”, according to expert

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND – Sunday, October 1, 2017: Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez shouts instructions to his team during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James’ Park. (Pic by Paul Greenwood/Propaganda)

READ: Van den Berg flown into London yesterday for talks

Benitez is set to leave Newcastle at the end of June when his contract expires after the club were unable to agree an extension.

Supporters are reportedly outraged that the Spaniard was allowed to leave after guiding the club back to a level of stability it hasn’t enjoyed in years, with thousands of fans threatening not to renew their season tickets ahead of the next campaign.

Wor Flags, a group who regularly oversee eye-catching supporter flags at St James’ Park, say they will no longer produce them until owner Mike Ashley is gone from the club.

“There are people in the group who are cancelling their tickets until Mike Ashley leaves this football club – so it would be fair to say that [the hiatus] is until Mike Ashley goes,” they said.

“It’s gone on too long, and we can’t keep pretending that everything’s okay. We know the club like to use the images of the displays that we do but it just seems like we’re going along on a ride that says ‘Everything is okay’, but we just don’t feel we can do that anymore.

“While Mike Ashley is there we just don’t feel it is right to pretend everything is okay.”

Gerrard joins Patrick Vieira, Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe on the shortlist of managerial candidates, with Sean Dyche and Steve Bruce viewed as backup options.

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Source: anfieldhq.com