Fans react as Newcastle United close in on Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McClaren
Fans have reacted to the news Newcastle United are closing in on securing Rafa Benitez as their new manager.
Steve McClaren remains in charge as head coach and took training this morning - but he is expected to be axed before Monday's night's match away at Leicester City.
Click here for live updates:Here are some of the best tweets from Newcastle (and Sunderland) fans:
Graeme Atkinson @SAFCElvis : Would be an incredible coup for them. Need to understand it's the same players that would be there though. Not easy.
Mark Carrick @MC_SAFC : Presumably to deliver a 3yr plan of regaining premiership status? Fancy going from Real Madrid to the Championship!
Steve Thorpe @leccymansteve : He'll love going to Burton next season
Graham Robertson @GilbertoRoberto : Anyone questioning if Rafa could work 4 Ashley, just remember he's worked for abramovic, F. Perez, Hicks & Gillette !! He'll be fine! #Nufc
Steven Morgan @StevenMorgan67 : Regardless of the out come with mclaren is he going or not is it rafa or not this is most exciting time this season
James Dixon @JamesDixon_ : Jonjo Shelvey and Rafa Benitez in the same season, Mike Ashley you are forgiven. #NUFC
Rob @laticsrob : #Rafa to #NUFC .. What a coup for them!
Marc Nash @MarcNash2: Benitez is the master of getting one-off results so surely he can stretch to ten of those. #nufc
Matthew Balmforth: On Benitez, it would be an absolutely incredible appointment. Will unite the fans, lift the mood and hopefully keep us up. #nufc
Nathan Fradge: The players we have we shudnt be where we are! No character no guts no winners #nufc