A former Newcastle United manager has been linked to the vacant managerial role at Southampton.
The Saints made the decision to relieve Russell Martin of his duties following their 5-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.
Newcastle ran out 1-0 winners against Southampton in August thanks to a Joelinton goal but the game wasn’t short of controversy.
Fabian Schar was sent off for an incident involving Ben Brereton Diaz where he reacted to a push off the ball by moving his forehead in the direction of Diaz forcing referee Craig Pawson to show the Swiss defender the red card.
Now, Southampton could soon see a former Newcastle manager who helped them through tough times enter the dugout.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez celebrates after winning the Sky Bet Championship Title after the match between Newcastle United and Barnsle...
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Former Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez linked to Southampton job
Rafa Benitez managed Newcastle from 2016-2019, guiding them back up from the Championship at the first time of asking.
The following two seasons saw his side finish 10th and 13th before leaving due to issues with then-owner Mike Ashley.
Since departing Newcastle, Benitez has taken jobs in China, returned to the Premier League with Everton and managed La Liga side Celta Vigo before his departure in March. The 64-year-old has been out of a job since then but according to Shields Gazette, he is being tipped as a potential successor to Martin.
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Benitez was responsible for bringing in players like Schar, Martin Dubravka, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy who all remain at the club to this day.
Rafael Benitez could link up with Ryan Fraser and Adam Armstrong
With Benitez linked to the role on the South Coast, it brings a squad which had £70m of investment in the summer.
Among those signed was former Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser who spent the previous season on loan at the Saints. Fraser fell out of favour with Eddie Howe despite the two having a previous partnership at AFC Bournemouth.
So far this season, Fraser has made nine appearances in all competitions but has failed to find the net.
Another former Toon star more familiar to Benitez is Adam Armstrong. The 27-year-old came through Newcastle’s youth ranks and featured in two FA Cup ties against Blackburn, scoring in the replay.
Armstrong was sold by Benitez in 2018 but could be reunited with his former coach should the Spaniard sign.
So far, Armstrong has netted twice in 13 Premier League appearances this season – a figure Benitez will be eager to improve if he were to make the move to Southampton.
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