Newcastle tried and failed to re-sign Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace in January’s transfer window, but Rafa still has him in his sights.
The winger spent the second half of last season at St James’s Park before moving on in the wake of Newcastle’s relegation.
Palace – who parted company with manager Sam Allardyce this week – do not want to sell the 25-year-old in the summer transfer window.
But the Eagles’ stance could change once a successor to Allardyce is appointed at Selhurst Park.
Townsend has had an operation on his Achilles since the end of the season.
Club doctor Zaf Iqbal said: “Andros had a minor procedure earlier in the week to remove an irritation to the Achilles tendon.
“He had been struggling with it in the latter part of the season.
“And it was then decided to address the issue at the end of season to allow him to return and be ready for the start of pre-season.”