PHOTO: Rafa Benitez arrives at St James's Park

The club is close to appointing Benitez as Steve McClaren's successor.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's players have been summoned to the training ground for a team meeting in the wake of McClarne's dismissal.

And the relegation-threatened club's squad could meet Benitez, who is close to agreeing a three-year deal.

Benitez arrived at St James's Park this afternoon for talks with managing director Lee Charnley.

The 55-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January.

Benitez is keen to appoint Antonio Gomez, Paco de Miguel, Xavi Valero and Fabio Pecchia as his backroom team at United, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

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