Rafael Benitez backed by Vicente del Bosque to take over as Spain boss

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez on March 20, 2016
© Getty Images
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque names Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez as his potential successor.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has named Rafael Benitez as one of the managers who could potentially succeed him in the national setup.

Benitez currently has a contract with Newcastle United, who appointed the former Liverpool boss on March 11.

The Spaniard has been in charge of the Magpies for just three games, losing two and drawing one, but the 55-year-old has a clause in his contract stating that he can leave the club in the summer should they be relegated to the Championship.

The club are currently 19th in the Premier League table, six points from safety with seven games left to play.

According to Del Bosque, Benitez could have a new job this summer as he has named him, along with Everton manager Roberto Martinez and former Porto boss Julen Lopetegui, as his possible replacement after Euro 2016.

"There are many good Spanish managers - Benitez, Roberto Martinez, Julen Lopetegui," Del Bosque told reporters. "Finding a new manager is very easy."

Since leaving Liverpool in 2010, Benitez has coached Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.

Vicente del Bosque is grounded after a clash with the assistant referee during the friendly between Spain and Italy on March 24, 2016
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