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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has made the shortlist to become Rafa Benitez's successor at Newcastle United.

The ex-Kop captain, 39, is currently employed at Rangers but is understood to be in the running to replace Rafa Benitez, according to ChronicleLive.

The Huyton-born star still has three years of his contract with Rangers left, and compensation would have to be paid out to secure his services.

According to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley spent last week speaking to agents and contacts in Europe, with former Wigan and Everton boss Roberto Martinez also under consideration.

Nice boss Patrick Vieira was also on United's wanted list but declared publicly last week he was keen on staying in Ligue 1.

Newcastle's pre-season trip to China is just a week away.

(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ideally, United wanted to find Benitez's replacement before their journey to the Far East, but Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn remain on standby for the Premier League's Asia Cup.

It is understood Gerrard would be open to the idea of a switch to the Premier League if the project was right and matched his own personal ambitions.

Newcastle have tried to stay tight-lipped on the managerial situation after Rafa Benitez's departure last month, but one of the key attributes they are searching for is somebody who can handle the stormy situation at St James' Park at the moment.

Gerrard is one of the candidates the Magpies feel would fit the bill in that sense.

The ex-LA Galaxy man has been touted for the long-term successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and once said: "Nobody knows the future.

CLICK HERE for the latest on Jurgen Klopp's future from his agent

"Liverpool is a very special place for me.

"One day, maybe it will happen … or not."

For now, and with Gerrard's former England team-mate Frank Lampard getting the job at Chelsea, the 39-year-old could be attracted to another Premier League job, despite spending just one year at Ibrox so far.

But Newcastle would have to convince him it is worth giving up his sturdy position as Rangers boss.

Speaking after Benitez's exit, Gerrard said in an interview with Sky Sports: "I am not surprised [about Rafa going] because I think there has been a lot of noise around his future for quite some time and the closer he got to the end of his contract tells you everything, really.

"Newcastle are losing a good manager, a great manager. Rafa is one of the best coaches in the world.

"But Newcastle is a fantastic club with top support and I am sure there will be a queue as long as you can imagine to try and take Newcastle forward."