Richard Keys launches astonishing attack on Rafa Benitez

The former Sky Sports presenter has had his say on the future of Newcastle United's manager, who is in advanced talks over staying on at the relegated club.

Benitez has also been linked with the vacant Everton post after the dismissal last week of Roberto Martinez.

And Keys has claimed that the former Liverpool manager – whose family live on The Wirral – is interested in the job.

Writing on his blog before Newcastle's season-ending 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Keys said: "Who next at Everton?

"As regulars know, I'd give it to Mark Hughes. Everton is a special club, one where having had a touch of the ball is important. David Moyes was an obvious exception to that rule, but he got it. Martinez never did.

"There's a huge re-building job to be done. The likes of Osman, Barry, Jagielka and Hibbert are all over 30 now. Lukaku will leave. So will Stones. It's a big job for someone with (Premier League) experience and a knowledge of what's required at that club. So – it's either Moyes or Hughes for me.

"I know Rafa's people are working like mad to land it – but come on. Rafa – at Goodison? No. Anyway – I couldn't ever see him working for a 'small' club. Evertonians wouldn't have it. Nor should they. Other than living on The Wirral, what qualifies Benitez for the job?

"I do believe he might have kept Newcastle up had he gone in sooner – but so far it's just 2 wins from 9 – one more than Alan Shearer managed in his doomed reign.

"Look deeper – what has Benitez actually won since he left Liverpool?

"I'll tell you – 1 Italian Cup. 1 Italian Super Cup – their Community Shield – so that doesn't count. Yep – the Europa league at Napoli and Chelsea.

"He won the Super Cup with Mourinho's team at Inter – and then promptly got sacked. He also got sacked from the other big job he landed – at Real. He manages for himself and his CV. If I'm an Evertonian I don't want him anywhere near my club – the 'People's Club'. A family club. No thanks."