Rafa Benitez reacts to Hearts' interest in Newcastle coach Ian Cathro

Hearts are set to lose Robbie Neilson to struggling League One club MK Dons.

And Dundee-born Cathro, 30, has been identified by the Scottish club as a potential successor to Neilson.

Asked about speculation linking Cathrow with Hearts, United manager Benitez said: "He's a good coach. We don't have an official approach.

"At the moment he's our coach and we're happy with him. There's no approach. He has a great future."

However, the Gazette understands Newcastle will NOT stand in Cathro's way should Hearts make an approach.