Rafael Benitez could be offered the chance to walk straight back into management if he leaves Newcastle United this summer after he was identified as a contender to lead his country.

The Spaniard has a clause in his contract enabling him to leave St James’ Park at the end of the season if he fails to guide the Magpies to a great escape from relegation.

His departure, given his reported £4m-a-year deal, is also likely to suit Newcastle owner Mike Ashley if the ever-increasing threat of relegation becomes a reality.

And it has emerged he has been mentioned as a strong contender to replace Vincente del Bosque as Spain’s new head coach after this summer’s European Championships.

Del Bosque has outlined a desire to leave the post after a glorious eight years in charge, with both world and European titles on his CV.

Now del Bosque has already told the Spanish FA of a number of candidates he feels should be considered, with Benitez high in his thinking even though former Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla boss Joaquin Caparros has also been touted.

Del Bosque said: “There are some very good Spanish coaches: Rafa Benitez, Roberto Martinez, Julen Lopetegui – searching for a new coach is very easy.”

The Spanish FA have not completely given up on persuading del Bosque to stay and, because of his success, his relationship with them means his recommendations carry weight in the corridors of power.

It adds an interesting twist to the situation at Newcastle, but Benitez is desperate to keep Newcastle up. He remains hopeful of achieving his goal but the 3-2 defeat at Norwich City on Saturday has put a six-point gap to the Canaries, who also have a superior goal difference but have played a game more.

The club’s position at the foot of the table was certainly not helped by the news goalkeeper Rob Elliot ruptured his cruciate knee ligament and will not play again this season. He joined first choice Tim Krul on the sidelines.

Karl Darlow, who started at Carrow Road, is adamant he can handle the pressure of the Premier League survival fight even though this is his first season at the top level.

He said: “I’ve got the character for this. People seem to forget that I’ve played a fair amount of Championship games. Since I’ve joined the club, it’s kind of been overlooked that I’ve played over 100 games.

“It’s one of those situations where I know what to do, I just need to get into a run of games and hopefully prove myself.

“I’ve got seven games now to show what I can do and put in some good performances. I know I can prepare properly now for the rest of the season in the knowledge that I’ll be playing.

“It’s nice to be in that position, although it’s obviously terrible circumstances with Rob getting injured, having done so well all season. Anyone taking over from him, it was going to be tough, but I’m going to have to do well.”

To help his cause he could have done without conceding three times at Carrow Road. He said: “I was beaten by two very good goals. I haven’t seen them back, but then I didn’t really see the second one (Mbokani) in the first place either.

“The third one has ended up in the far corner right at the end. It’s cruel, but that’s football isn’t it? The final goal went through someone’s legs, and it was right inside the post.”