Newcastle have identified two candidates to replace Rafael Benitez as manager if he leaves at the end of the season.

Benitez’s contract as Newcastle head coach expires in the summer, with the Spaniard no closer to extending his stay on Tyneside.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager apparently reached ‘breaking point’ during the January transfer window, and offered no assurances over his future towards the end of the month.

Newcastle went on to break their transfer record on Miguel Almiron, while also bringing in Antonio Barecca on loan.

But Matt Hughes of The Times says Newcastle have put ‘contingency plans’ in place in case such belated investment fails to convince Benitez to stay.

With Benitez rejecting both a five-year and one-year deal last summer, the Magpies have identified David Wagner and Brendan Rodgers as the frontrunners to replace him if needed.

While Celtic boss Rodgers ‘has long been the favourite’, Wagner ‘first impressed the Newcastle hierarchy’ when leading Huddersfield to a 2-1 win at St James’ Park in the 2016/17 Championship season.

Everton and Leicester are also keeping tabs on Wagner, who is available after leaving the Premier League’s bottom club by mutual consent last month.