Rafa Benitez eyed for Premier League return – but Newcastle United fans won't like it

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

United’s Premier League rivals West Ham are reportedly keen to land long-term target Benitez, if Manuel Pellegrini continues to falter at the London Stadium.

According to the Mirror, Benitez is top of the Hammers’ wishlist, four years after the Spaniard turned them down for a move to ‘his club’ Real Madrid.

The report states: “The Hammers board, after backing Pellegrini in the transfer market, were expecting a challenge for a top six place this campaign instead of a battle against relegation.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

“If he fails to arrest the slump then the Chilean will pay the price and the club will make their move for Benitez.”

Benitez left United in the summer after three and a half years on Tyneside citing differences in approach and opinion with owner Mike Ashley as the reason for his emotional exit.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live recently, he said: “In the future I will come back to England, my family is there.

"I am happy, it is not like I would like to go back right now. But in the future, yes. At the moment I am working hard here."

Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Valencia and Napoli manager Benitez was named manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang in the summer.

His first act in the transfer market was to sign Salomon Rondon, Newcastle’s on loan frontman from last season. Benitez has also been linked with a move for Federico Fernandez.