Newcastle United have been linked with an interest in AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso as they continue to struggle to convince Rafael Benitez to sign a new contract.
Benitez is out of contract in the summer and the Spaniard has so far put off deciding whether or not to extend his stay at Newcastle.
The 59-year-old wants assurances over transfer spending from the club hierarchy before agreeing to put pen to paper on a new contract with Newcastle.
The Magpies are keen to keep Benitez at the club but are also scouring the market for alternatives should they fail to reach an agreement with the Spaniard.
And according to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, they are assessing the possibility of bringing in Gattuso to St. James’ Park in the summer as Benitez’s replacement.
The Italian’s future at AC Milan is also under a cloud as there are suggestions that the Rossoneri could seek to replace him ahead of next season.
Gattuso has been meeting Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes and is keen to consider alternatives if AC Milan decide to sack him.
Newcastle have emerged as an option and Gattuso is claimed to be one of the names on their shortlist.
