Has Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez given hope to Everton and West Ham of signing him?
Rafa Benitez has been discussing his future as Newcastle United manager after guiding the club to 10th in the Premier League in their first season back in the division.
Benitez had been linked with a return to his former side Napoli with the Spaniard’s contract at St James’ Park expiring in 12 months time, but has ruled out leaving England.
“My future? I’ve heard so much talk, but I haven’t spoken to [Napoli chairman] Aurelio de Laurentiis: I have a contract with Newcastle, I’m talking to them about my renewal,” the 58-year-old told CalcioNapoli24.
“They made me some offers to stay here for a few more years, plus I have to manage my family: if I decided to go to Newcastle and stay there, even in the Championship, it’s also because of my family.
“My priority is to stay in England. I’m only talking to Newcastle right now.”
Could he leave?
While it seems as if Benitez staying with the Magpies is the most likely outcome from those comments, those other teams from the English top flight who are interested may have been given hope.
The Chronicle reports that both Everton and Leicester City are keeping tabs on the former Real Madrid boss, while Sky Sports claim he is being shortlisted by West Ham United.
Benitez has a strong connection with England and specifically Merseyside after being appointed Liverpool manager back in 2005.
Despite having had jobs in Italy and his native Spain since, his family remained living on the Wirral and therefore if he does leave Newcastle, English clubs will surely be at the front of the queue.
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