Newcastle United have agreed a deal in principle for Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McClaren on a three-year contract, according to AS.
McClaren is still the Newcastle manager but is widely expected to lose his job in the coming days following a disastrous first eight months in charge at St. James’ Park.
Reports emerged in the week that suggested Newcastle had made an ambitious attempt to approach Benitez’s representatives and they have now made a serious break through in talks with terms almost complete.
Benitez has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid at the start of January and the move would bring him back to the Premier League three years after his interim spell with Chelsea ended.
The Spaniard will be tasked with lifting Newcastle out of the bottom three with just 10 games remaining. The Magpies are currently one point adrift of safety and boost the fourth worst defensive record in the division (53 goals conceded).
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