Joey Barton on whether Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez should take the West Ham United job

Follow us on Google Discover

West Ham United have been long term admirers of Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez.

Joey Barton has told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on TalkSPORT on 6th November, that he cannot see Rafael Benitez leaving Newcastle United to take the West Ham United job.

West Ham are set to be on the hunt for a new manager soon, with Slaven Bilic looking destined to be sacked.

West Ham were beaten 4-1 by Liverpool at the London Stadium in their most recent match and that seems to have been the final straw for Bilic.

The Hammers are now set to look for a new manager to take over, and Newcastle boss Benitez is a name who has been on their wish list for a long time.

However, Barton does not believe that Benitez would choose to leave St. James’ Park at this moment in time, as Newcastle are so close to getting new owners.

“I know he was close to it, but the fact Newcastle looks like it’s about to be sold, if you were going to buy Newcastle you’d be wise to say ‘sit tight and we’ll give you x amount of money when we come in’. I can’t see Rafa budging,” Barton said.

Benitez has done an impressive job at Newcastle – guiding the Magpies to promotion from the Championship and then making them a competitive force in Premier League football.