As Maurizio Sarri reportedly closes in on a return to Italy (per the Standard) to take over Juventus, rumours will naturally emerge in regard to potential replacements should the former Napoli boss leave after just a season in charge. 

Indeed, one link that popped up is news that Rafael Benitez (according to Tuttosport via the Daily Mail, who then distance themselves from it) is preparing to leave Tyneside and go back to Chelsea.

Well, this (no matter how speculative) might be a move to would devastate both Chelsea fans and Newcastle fans, as some Blues supporters were not that keen on the Spaniard during his interim time in charge back in 2013.

It's probably fair to say that a large amount Newcastle fans, clearly, would be crestfallen if the 59-year-old left the Toon after the superb job he has done over the last three years for them as the three-year deal he penned back in 2016 winds down on Tyneside. Few would doubt his connection to the Toon Army, as the #IfRafaGoesWeGo movement proves.

Luckily, for both sets of supporters, Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph has poured cold water on the rumours of Benitez moving to back to Stamford Bridge.

To stay at Newcastle though, it has previously been reported by the Telegraph that the former Real Madrid boss wants assurances that he will be handed a budget that will allow him to compete for cups and also the top ten of the Premier League.

This seems unlikely to happen if Mike Ashley remains in charge as he wants Newcastle to “spend (via the Chronicle) within their means” and the Sports Direct mogul has never really splashed out during his time in charge.

The takeover saga has understandably complicated the situation, but with less than a week to go until the fixtures are released, Newcastle still do not know who their owner or their manager will be next season. The situation is similar for Chelsea, and they could be scrambling to replace Sarri, but what seems inevitable is that Benitez will not be the next Blues manager. However, it remains to be seen as to whether he will remain at St. James’s Park or move on and seek pastures new.

Whether you're a Blue or a Geordie, how relieved are you to hear this news? Join the discussion by commenting below...