The Newcastle United manager was approached by West Ham United according to a report.
The Hammers appointed David Moyes as their new manager on a short-term contract this morning, but he was not the east London outfit’s first choice, according to a report from the Sun.
West Ham United find themselves sitting precariously in 18th position in the Premier League table, after parting company with Slaven Bilic yesterday, and face a long and arduous road ahead of them this season.
And the Sun claims that David Gold and David Sullivan approached Magpies manager Rafa Benitez over the possibility of him taking over at the London Stadium, only to be rejected by the Spaniard.
It is little wonder why the former Liverpool, Inter Milan and Real Madrid supremo turned down the chance to manager the Hammers, with the club in such dire straits at the moment.
Click HERE to read Sullivan and Gold’s sly dig regarding Bilic’s organisation and enthusiasm
Moyes was out of work himself, so taking over at West Ham at least provides him with the opportunity of rebuilding his reputation as a manger.
For Rafa though, east London was obviously far too toxic of a place for him, as he continues to work hard in his role at St James’ Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
