Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has attracted interest from other clubs, according to Sky Sports.

What's the word?

So far, the Spanish coach has stayed loyal to the Magpies ever since he took over in March 2016.

Transfer windows have not gone to plan for Benitez, but the 57-year-old has a good relationship with the fans, who have given the coach hero status.

After failing to keep Newcastle in the Premier League during his first three months in charge, the Spaniard guided the club back to the top tier by winning the Championship in the 2016-17 season.

In the current campaign, the Magpies are fighting for survival as they sit just one point above the relegation zone, but Benitez's job has not been in doubt from the club's point of view.

According to Sky Sports, the manager has a number of suitors keeping a close eye on his situation at St James' Park.

The broadcaster believes that Newcastle will struggle to keep hold of Benitez if a proposed takeover does not go through and Mike Ashley remains in charge.

Could Benitez be tempted away?

As the report states, a lot will depend on the direction that the club are heading in with regards to new owners.

Benitez has made his unhappiness with lack of transfer funds clear before, and that could be a main priority of his when deciding his future.

The Spaniard has a strong pedigree having coached Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.

If the opportunity comes along for Benitez to be coaching a team vying for titles and trophies, nobody could blame him for moving on from Newcastle.

The North-East outfit are a long way from competing for silverware.

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