' So its bye bye Steve McClaren and hello '

' AS TOON APPROACH BENITEZ '

Sky Sports

Wednesday 9th March 2016

Newcastle have made an approach for Rafa Benitez as they consider alternatives to Steve McClaren, according to Sky sources.

Sky Sports News HQ understands that although McClaren remains in charge, the club have made contact with Benitez's representatives about the Spaniard stepping in to try to salvage their season.

Benitez is available after leaving Real Madrid in January, and sources close to him indicate he would have a qualified interest in the vacancy.

McClaren's nine-month tenure as Newcastle head coach looked no closer to being resolved on Wednesday night with the former England boss holding talks with managing director Lee Charnley on the phone in the afternoon.

McCLAREN LATEST

This story is developing by the minute: Newcastle have postponed Thursday’s scheduled news conference, with Steve McClaren set to meet managing director Lee Charnley on Wednesday afternoon, according to Sky sources.

22:34Wednesday 09 March 2016

Newcastle United are hopeful Rafa Benitez can be persuaded to take over at St James's Park.

Benitez has emerged as the club's preferred option to succeed head coach Steve McClaren.

The 55-year-old, sacked as Real Madrid manager in January, is keen to manage again in the Premier League.


And the Spaniard is understood to be interested in taking over at Newcastle.

However, Benitez is seeking reassurances on a number of issues, notably recruitment, and talks are ongoing.

United are yet to dismiss McClaren, whose side are 19th in the league with 10 games left to play.

They're fucked, either way. Should've done this two months ago, and given the next manager an actual chance of keeping them up.