Newcastle United are said to be keeping a close eye on developments at Chelsea amid speculation that Rafael Benitez could be approached to become their new manager.
The Blues are in the hunt for a new boss following the departure of Maurizio Sarri for Italian giants Juventus over the weekend.
Club legend and current Derby County manager Frank Lampard is the firm favourite for the job, although Benitez, who served as interim manager at Stamford Bridge in the 2012-13 season, is also in the frame.
The Spaniard's contract with the Magpies runs out at the end of the month - making him available to Chelsea without compensation - and with a £350m takeover of the club said to be in the pipeline, he has yet to commit to a new deal.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle have put "a good offer on the table" to Benitez but have yet to reach an agreement as the clock ticks down on his current deal.
During his brief period with Chelsea, Benitez managed a win percentage of 58.3% and helped them to finish third in the Premier League.
Neil Wilkes
