The Managerial Merry Go Round, who is jumping on and off today?

News has just been announced that Rafa Benitez is to leave Napoli at the end of the week this definitely raises his chances of going to Real Madrid and taking over from compatriot Carlo Ancelotti. With this the Napoli vacancy now becomes open with people such as Roberto Di Matteo who resigns from Schalke in the week and Sampdoria Manager Sinisa Mihajolvic in the frame to take over.

So let’s recap on the available jobs:

West Ham – Linked with Carlo Ancelotti, Jurgen Klopp, Slaven Bilic, Michael Laudrup, Steve McClaren and a whole host of others. The first two look unrealistic targets as both men have stated they want a sabbatical after leaving Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively so the names that follow become the more likely targets with Slaven Bilic currently leading the bunch.

Sunderland – Dick Advocaat announced his departure yesterday which creates the 2nd Premier League vacancy currently on offer, Sam Allardyce could be set for a return to Wearside after having a stint there as a player. If the Sunderland board don’t want years of experience they could opt for Paul Clement instead who will be set to leave Real Madrid in the near future. Another name in the frame is the recently unemployed Steve McClaren who was sacked by Derby in the week.

Derby – Paul Clement was set to become Derby Manager earlier in the week but now with a Premier League vacancy on the horizon could Derby be beaten to the punch. If Clement is snatched from their grasp expect Birmingham Manager Gary Rowett or Burton Manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to then enter the frame.

Sheffield United – The Blades have made an approach to Bradford for Phil Parkinson but today it was turned down due to the fact the compensation figure has been turned down, I would expect Sheffield United to come back with an improved offer of compensation and finally get to talk to the Bantams Manager with a view to him taking over.

Newcastle – Not available yet but as good as. Will Newcastle look to get the jump on the other clubs by snapping up Paul Clement or Steve McClaren or are they going to wait for the lie of the land. Do the stick with John Carver or do they twist with a new man at the helm.

Not forgetting there are now vacancies at Schalke in Germany and Fenerbahce in Turkey after the departures of Di Matteo and Bilic respectively plus Brendan Rodgers is future is far from settled at Liverpool which then would no doubt bring Ancelotti and Klopp into play. There are going to be plenty of spins on this Merry Go-Round and it’s picking up pace nicely.