Aston Villa fans react to Rafa Benitez rumours

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Aston Villa have their eye on Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez following Steve Bruce’s departure, according to one report.

It has been reported by the Daily Mirror this week that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is a surprise name on Aston Villa’s wishlist after the Championship side sacked Steve Bruce after two years at the helm.

The Villans have made a very underwhelming start to the new season, and the 3-3 draw with Preston North End in Bruce’s final game summed up the side quite perfectly, with the attack looking lethal at times, but the defensive issues that were not addressed in the summer costing them a victory over the division’s bottom side.

The Mirror suggests that the new majority shareholders at Villa Park have wasted little time putting together a substantial list of names. And one of the more surprising options being considered is Benitez.

While speculation continues regarding his St James’ Park future, it would be a huge shock if he ended up being appointed by the Villans. The Mirror alludes to his ‘frosty’ relationship with new Villa chief executive Christian Purslow from their time together at Liverpool.

And while Villa are a massive club in the Championship, Benitez will probably be expecting or receiving much more attractive job opportunities. After having to watch the pennies with the Magpies, it is unlikely that a Financial Fair Play-wary Villa will be able to offer the kind of transfer kitty that tempts the Spaniard to make the switch anytime soon.

Interestingly, the Benitez reports have attracted a mixed response from Villa fans. Many are simply not accepting that he is a genuine target, while some do not believe that he would be the right man to take the side forward. But there are also a number of supporters who are extremely excited by the reports and hope that they are true.

Here is the best of the reaction…