Rafa Benitez on the verge of joining Newcastle United's Premier League rivals - reports

The Spaniard has been out of management since January after leaving his role at Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro.

Benitez moved to China when his contract at St James’s Park expired in the summer of 2019.

He became a much-loved figure with the United fanbase during his three-and-a-half years as he guided the club to the Championship title and challenged Mike Ashley’s controversial ownership.

The 61-year-old has been open in his desire to manage in England’s top-flight again – and that is looking ever likely to be at Everton.

Indeed, it is a controversial move on Merseyside given the 60-year-old’s success at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League and FA Cup.

The Toffees have been searching for a new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s unexpected return to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

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