Breaking: AC Milan legend rumoured to replace Rafael Benitez at Newcastle this summer

Rafael Benitez has grown to become a favourite for many Newcastle United fans, yet the Spaniard is out of contract at the end of June, and there have been several rumours linking a former World Cup winner for the job.

Current AC Milan manager, Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as the favourite to take over from Rafael Benitez for next season, as there have been no successful negotiations so far between the Newcastle board of directors and Benitez, leading Newcastle to assess their options for the coming season.

According to reports, Benitez has asked for six new players to come in this summer, yet Mike Ashley and the board have reportedly only given him £50 million to spend, sparking plenty of rumours suggesting that the Spaniard will not sign a new contract with the club.

Gattuso has been mentioned as the top target, and whilst he has been in charge of AC Milan for the past 18 months, and is still currently in charge of the Italian club, Milan are currently way off the champions Juventus, and they are also still very doubtful of finishing in a UEFA Champions League spot, as they currently sit in three points behind fourth-placed Atalanta.

Newcastle have managed to end the season pretty strongly, with them being 11 points top of the final relegation spot, and they have managed to recruit some fine players in recent windows.

The other names that are rumoured to be in with a chance of taking the Newcastle job include former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup, and the former West Ham United player and manager, Slaven Bilic.