Rafa Benitez lost just three games at Real Madrid in all competitions in his seven months in charge
According to the Sunderland Echo, the ex-Real Madrid boss wants to be made confident about the club’s ambitions going forward.
Since 2006, the Magpies have finished in the Premier League’s top nine just once, and fans have had a troubled relationship with owner Mike Ashley as a result.
Newcastle have had eight permanent managers since 2006, showing stability has been difficult to sustain at St James’ Park.
Despite a busy summer in the transfer market and having spent again in January, McClaren’s team are faltering in 19th place, nine points behind 16th-placed Swansea.
However, the ex-England manager will apparently remain in charge until Newcastle have their replacement sorted, with David Moyes also very much in the mix.
First-choice Benitez has a strong CV as a top-level manager though, and even after earning the sack by Madrid earlier this season, his Premier League record with Liverpool was impressive.
Four finishes in the top four and a Champions League triumph at Anfield shows he could be the man to save Newcastle and establish them as a top force in England again.
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