Rodgers will reject Newcastle to stay in City frame
BRENDAN Rodgers will resist interest from Newcastle United — as he is in the frame to replace Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City in 18 months’ time. Sources have confirmed that the Leicester boss would feature on a shortlist to succeed Guardiola at the end of next season. He has admirers at the Etihad and was discussed as a replacement for Roberto Mancini in 2013. Rodgers’ name has been part of the conversation among Newcastle’s new owners in the past week, as have several others. However, there is a feeling that making a move for a rival top-flight boss would be politically disruptive at this stage of their ownership, even though some have said he is the best man for the role.
The Northern Irishman won the FA Cup last season but is said to have one or two grumbles over decisions at Leicester, specifically regarding recruitment. Sportsmail also understands his wife is keen to return to the North West. City are already thinking about the man to come in after Guardiola, who plans to leave when his contract expires in the summer of 2023. They are conscious that the players will need either a big-name manager or an outstanding coach to soften the blow of losing the Spaniard. Rodgers, they believe, covers the latter category. City wanted him on their coaching staff when Mancini was appointed in 2009. But the Italian insisted on David Platt, while Brian Kidd was added by the club. Rodgers will be conscious of protecting his reputation amid the City interest. While it is widely accepted he has done an excellent job at Leicester, they are currently 13th in the Premier League and juggling the demands of domestic and European campaigns. Newcastle United are set to part company with head coach Steve Bruce — who took over from Rafael Benítez in July 2019 — ahead of Sunday’s home game against Spurs with assistant boss Graeme Jones being placed in caretaker charge.