Former Newcastle United boss ‘among favourites’ to replace Premier League manager

A former Newcastle United boss is being linked with the Leicester City job amid pressure on Brendan Rodgers.

It has been a sorry start to the season from Leicester, who sit bottom with just one point after seven games.

The Foxes have been used to European football in recent years, but they are not only without European football this season, but they could find themselves battling the drop.

In Rodgers’ defence, there has been a real drop-off in investment over the last year or so, and the Foxes have also sold important players like Wesley Fofana.

But Rodgers is still under pressure, and bookmakers are already lining up possible replacements.

One of the managers being linked with taking the job is former Newcastle boss Benitez.

‘Rafa’, as he is known, has been out of the job since leaving Everton last season, though, he would represent a significant change in style from Rodgers’ more progressive style of play.

Benitez spent two years with the Magpies, taking them back to the Premier League, and he was well liked by fans before leaving in 2019 due to failing to agree a new contract.

According to BetVictor, Benitez is fourth favourite for the Leicester job, priced at 6/1.

The current favourite is Brentford boss Thomas Frank, priced at 13/8, ahead of Sean Dyche on 5/2.

Mauricio Pochettino is at 9/2, while Marcelo Bielsa, 17/2, and Daniel Farke, 9/1, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 12/1, are all behind Benitez in the odds.

Leicester face East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Monday night, and that one could go a long way to deciding Rodgers’ future, at least if things go badly for the Foxes.

For now, it seems he is going to be given time to turn things around having done a good job at the King Power Stadium overall.