Newcastle United have begun a frantic search for a new manager after calling off talks to persuade Rafa Benitez to sign a new contract after he refused to meet with managing director Lee Charnley last week.

Telegraph Sport understands the Magpies, despite the controversy surrounding owner Mike Ashley and the way he runs the business, have already been made aware of interest from a host of managers, both in and out of work, as news of Benitez’s departure broke.

It is understood they will look to appoint someone who is willing to work as a head coach, but are keeping an open mind about everything else. That means they will look at candidates, both home and abroad, with different age and experience profiles.

The aim is to have the new man in place before the first team travel to China to compete in the Premier League Asia Trophy in just over a fortnight’s time.

That gives managing director Lee Charnley some time to find the right person, although supporters are unlikely to be impressed, regardless of who it is, given the affection for Benitez on Tyneside.