Leonardo Jardim being lined up by Newcastle United?

Former Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim is reportedly in the running to replace Rafael Benitez as Newcastle United manager.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley is understood to be contemplating whether to swing the axe on Benitez, who is under contract until next summer.

Newcastle collected just their third point of the season with Saturday's 0-0 draw against fellow strugglers Southampton, lifting them up to 19th place in the table.

With Benitez's future uncertain, French outlet Le10 Sport suggests that Jardim, sacked by Monaco earlier this month, is being lined up to take over at St James' Park.

Jardim, who lifted the Ligue 1 title with Les Monegasques last year, is also thought to be on Southampton's radar.