Rafa Benitez 'set to sign three-year deal' at Newcastle

Spanish newspaper AS claim Steve McClaren, the club's embattled head coach, will be sacked later today ahead of Benitez's appointment.

Newcastle approached Benitez, sacked by Real Madrid in January, through an intermediary.

And the club is expected to formally put a contract on the table for Benitez once McClaren has been dismissed.

AS also report that Benitez – who previously managed in the Premier League with Liverpool and Chelsea – will be given "full powers" by United.

The 55-year-old has been looking for reassurances over recruitment and the club's ambitions.

Recruitment, up to now, has been the responsibility of chief scout Graham Carr.

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