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Rafael Benitez agrees three-year deal to become Newcastle boss
RAFAEL BENITEZ has agreed a three-year deal to take over from Steve McClaren as Newcastle boss, according to reports in Spain.
Rafael Benitez looks set to take over at Newcastle
The Spaniard has emerged as the leading candidate for the job at St James’ Park with McClaren on the brink of the sack.
It was expected that the former England coach would be dismissed earlier in the week.
But he has hung onto his job after a meeting with managing director Lee Charnley was postponed.
However McClaren's scheduled press conference ahead of Newcastle's clash with Leicester on Monday night was cancelled leading to speculation that his time was nearing an end.
Informa JOSEBA LARRAÑAGA que RAFA BENÍTEZ será el próximo entrenador del NEWCASTLE las 3 próximas temporadas. pic.twitter.com/oQ6OxDCIyO
— elpartidodelas12 (@partidodelas12) March 9, 2016
Rafael Benitez - Spotlight on
And Spanish radio station Cadena Cope report former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez has signed a three-year deal succeed McClaren.
It would mark a quick return to football for the 55-year-old after he was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season.
He faces a tough ask to rescue Newcastle from relegation with the club in 19th place and in a three-way survival fight with Sunderland and Norwich.
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