Sean Dyche’s name is among the bookies’ odds for the vacant managerial position at Newcastle United.

The runners and riders for St James’ Park post are being considered after it was announced that Rafael Benitez would be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.

That the Burnley boss has been listed as a potential contender is no surprise and is becoming the norm when a top flight job becomes available, recognising the fine work he has done during his Turf Moor tenure. 

His odds range from 10/1 to 20/1 depending on the bookmaker with Jose Mourinho, Mikel Arteta and Garry Monk also high up in the list.

Benitez, 59, has spent just over three years in charge at Newcastle since replacing Steve McClaren in March 2016.

“It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019,” the club said on their official website.

“We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”

Newcastle confirmed Benitez’s coaching staff, Paco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club.

“We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved,” the Magpies added.

“We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period of uncertainty.

“The process to appoint a successor will now begin.”

Speculation over Benitez’s future has been gathering momentum for the past 12 months, with no signs of an agreement between the Spaniard and the club.

He guided Newcastle back to the Premier League in 2017 and has kept them in the top flight for the past two seasons.

Benitez has been linked with a possible move to the Far East for more than 12 months, with Chinese club Dalian Yifang reported to have offered him a contract worth £12million a year.

But he has made it clear in the recent past that he sees his future in Europe, and ideally in the Premier League.

The club’s situation is further complicated as owner Mike Ashley is in talks with several potential purchasers, including Dubai-based billionaire Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who claimed last month he had “agreed terms” with the Sports Direct magnate for a takeover.

That Dyche would swap the stability of Turf Moor for that uncertainty is certainly up for debate.

The Clarets boss is set to lead his side into a fourth straight season in the Premier League as the fourth longest serving manager in England’s top four divisions having taken over in October 2012 after Eddie Howe’s departure.