‘Speechless’ - Rafa Benitez in frame for shock UK managerial return as takeover imminent
Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly under consideration to become the next Rangers manager.
A disastrous campaign has resulted in Gers falling 16 points behind bitter rivals Celtic. Losing 2-1 at home to Motherwell over the weekend was the latest in a long line of recent humiliations.
Last month, the Teddy Bears lost 1-0 to Championship club Queen’s Park at Ibrox which sparked the beginning of the end for Philippe Clement. Rangers pulled the trigger when St Mirren stunned them at home a fortnight later.
They remain in the Europa League - with Fenerbahce their upcoming opponents - to give any incoming manager a faint chance of saving the season. All eyes are on the incoming US consortium as a takeover closes in.
Paraag Marathe - president of the San Francisco 49ers investment arm - and health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh are working on a 51 per cent buyout of the club. The deal has been agreed in principle, is undergoing due process and a breakthrough could be reached before the season finishes.
Barry Ferguson is currently coaching the team on an interim basis as Gers remain in limbo until the takeover passes. It is understood that Rangers may want a sporting director before appointing a manager.
The Daily Record reported yesterday that former Newcastle boss Benitez is a genuine contender for the role. He has been out of work since being sacked by Celta Vigo last year.
Benitez has not managed in England since a six-month spell at Everton three years ago. Rangers legend Ally McCoist was lost for words when talkSPORT co-host Jeff Stelling pitched the idea.
"I’m a bit speechless,” he said. “You’ve beat me with that. The only thing he would need, the same as (Ruben) Amorim at Manchester United, is a better squad of players to deal with at this moment of time."