Breaking Sky Sports: "Rafa Benitez"

BREAKING SKY SPORTS NEWS

17/05/18

According to Sky sources, Newcastle are confident manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club, despite reports linking him with a move away.

Newcastle believe they have a water-tight contract with Benitez, which includes a large release clause. The Spaniard, who has one year remaining on his current contract, almost became West Ham boss in the summer of 2015 before signing with Real Madrid.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez and said on Thursday that the club were "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium.

Moyes left West Ham on Wednesday after coming to the end of his six-month contract. The club have since held talks with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini in their search to replace Moyes.

He took Newcastle to 10th and was given hardly any money to spend.

Alan Shearer said it makes you wonder what he could do if given the same transfer funds as other clubs outside the top six spend. Have to agree.

Great manager and deserves a better owner than Mike Ashley.