It’s not often Jim White is left short for words, but he was when Simon Jordan suggested Rafael Benitez as the next Rangers manager.The Spaniard hasn’t worked in management since being sacked by Celta Vigo in March 2024, but Benitez has managed some of the world’s biggest clubs.White couldn’t believe what he was hearingThe Gers have sacked Russell Martin after an awful start to the season.From seven SPFL games, Rangers have one win and are 11 points off Hearts at the top of the table.In Europe, it was also pretty shambolic, with Rangers losing 9-1 on aggregate to Club Brugge in the final Champions League qualification round – a joint-record margin of defeat for them in Europe.That put them in the Europa League, and they are two defeats from two having lost to Genk and Sturm Graz.And after 17 matches in all competitions, the Rangers board decided Martin had to go.And the club are now on the lookout for a new gaffer as they look to save the season.talkSPORT understands Steven Gerrard is the leading candidate.The Liverpool legend rejected the club in the summer before Martin was appointed.talkSPORT also understands that sporting director Kevin Thelwell has sounded out Sean Dyche.But Jordan wants to see Rangers go all out and get Benitez, which was a suggestion that left White stunned.Benitez would be keen to get back into work, and turning around Rangers could be a great opportunityGettySpeaking on White and Jordan, the Scotsman said: “In a couple of words, do you have someone in your mind, who you would appoint at Rangers?”Jordan replied: “Someone we bumped into at the airport the other day.”White, visibly baffled, said: “Rafa Benitez?”Jordan said nothing in response but simply nodded.White carried on: “Alright. Wow. You stopped me in my tracks with that.”View Tweet: https://twitter.com/Liverpool?ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwBenitez has enjoyed a remarkable careergettyAnother fire-fighting role?Benitez has had a couple of jobs where he was competing at the top for the major honours.His Liverpool side never quite got over the line in the Premier League, but he kept them at a high level and delivered a Champions League crown.That Champions League in 2005 is arguably the greatest win in the competition as well as Liverpool fought back from 3-0 down against a star-studded AC Milan to win on penalties. He also claimed an FA Cup as well.The Spaniard won two LaLiga titles with Valencia, and also managed Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Napoli.He made a move to Chelsea that saw him claim the Europa League despite being disliked by the fan base due to his constant rivalry with the club while at Anfield.But it was a move to Newcastle United during the 2015/16 season that was the most left-field of his career up until that point.Newcastle fans adored BenitezGETTY IMAGES - GETTYThe Magpies were in a relegation scrap and had less than ten games remaining of the season, while Mike Ashley was the owner, but the Spaniard headed to Tyneside.He couldn’t keep them up, but decided to stay and achieved promotion at the first time of asking, boasting an average of 51,000 for home games, showing how the fan base was re-energised.Benitez stayed for two more Premier League years but departed in the summer of 2019 over disagreements with Ashley over the club’s ambition, and he headed to China.But given the disconnect between the club and the fans, Benitez managed to heal that, and he could do it again at Rangers.It is a club that is drifting, but a manager like the Spaniard has galvanised clubs before and could do it again.In fairness, it is probably better to not mention his spell at Everton, which seemed doomed from the very moment he set foot in Goodison Park.But if he does emerge as a contender, Benitez revealed recently, he is looking for a job in Europe.He said: “Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated.“For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”