Fresh reports claim West Ham United want the Newcastle United boss to replace Slaven Bilic.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
A Daily Mail report has outlined the stance of Rafa Benitez amid alleged interest from West Ham United.
The Hammers are said to want the Newcastle United boss to replace Slaven Bilic, to whom they turned after being snubbed by Benitez in 2015.
According to the Daily Mail, however, West Ham will likely have to look elsewhere, with Benitez having ‘no intention’ of swapping St James’ Park for the London Stadium.
Nevertheless, it is claimed the Spaniard would be interested in the position, should Newcastle – who are nine points clear of third place – fail to gain promotion back to the Premier League this season.
Benitez is said to have been unhappy on Tyneside after the Magpies’ board failed to deliver January transfer target Andros Townsend, and has reportedly sought assurances about his ‘budget and control come the close-season’.
Newcastle sold Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace last summer
However, the report adds that all is now well with the 56-year-old, following productive meetings with his employers.
Nevertheless, it is claimed there is one outstanding issue which Benitez would like to see resolved – that being the removal of Graham Carr, Newcastle’s long-serving chief scout.
Newcastle United or West Ham United – at which club would Benitez be better off next season?
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