Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has Premier League 'unfinished business' – but 'Project Mike Ashley' is problematic

But the Spanish journalist believes his countryman is most likely to return to Liverpool, than pop up at St James’ Park any time soon.

Benitez is currently out of work having come to an agreement with Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Pro to end his contract in the Far East.

That exit has sparked rumours Benitez, who is keen to return to management in England, could return to Newcastle, even with Mike Ashley still in control of the football club.

Benitez has also been linked with jobs at Napoli and Celtic in recent weeks.

Speaking in a YouTube Q&A, Balague admits a Tyneside return will not happen with the Sports Direct tycoon still at the helm – and despite rumours to the contrary, Benitez has NOT been approached by the club since his China exit.

"Is there a project with Mike Ashley, is there a plan? Is there an intention to actually spend money on the academy, and the facilities and in the squad?" he said.

"If the answer's no, then you've got the answer for Rafa if he was ever approached again. But he hasn't and it is a no.

"It's amazing to think that somebody of his calibre doesn't have a team but it happens. He'll have to wait for his moment."

However, when pushed on whether he thinks a Merseyside return could appeal, Balague said: “There is a feeling of unfinished business with Rafa and Liverpool, I've always said that.

"Rafa would love to be the Liverpool manager at some point. Maybe in a time of crisis, proper crisis, not what's happening now.

"Maybe in a time where there's a need for a strong personality to steady a ship. But right now in the way that the owners are behaving and Klopp and everything, that situation doesn't exist.

"How can we think that Klopp has reached the end of an era? Look at the bigger picture, how can anyone suggest that?

"It's laughable. It's stupid and absurd to be talking about a future without Klopp."

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