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Rafa Benitez latest: Newcastle begin work on transfer as West Ham chase wobbles
NEWCASTLE are plugging away with Rafa Benitez’s transfer plans as West Ham’s interest in the manager wanes, according to reports.
Rafa Benitez could be staying at Newcastle
Newcastle have so far held strong amid interest from the Hammers in their manager.
As Express Sport revealed earlier this week, Benitez wants a £100m transfer fund at London Stadium and a mega contract for himself.
He would also cost West ham around £6m to prise away from St James’ Park.
And Newcastle are growing confident that the Spaniard will not leave.
According to the Chronicle, Toon bosses are closing in on Benitez’s first transfer target of the summer.
Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric has been identified as a viable recruit ahead of the new season and Newcastle are working on a deal.
Kramaric, 26, joined Hoffenheim from Leicester back in 2016 after failing to make any sort of impact at the King Power Stadium.
The revelation suggests Newcastle are growing confident a Hammers swoop for their manager will fail.
It comes as the Chronicle suggest West Ham are now eyeing an alternative candidate to replace David Moyes as manager.
Manuel Pellegrini is said to be the man they want in the hotseat for next season.
Rafa Benitez has a £6m release clause at Newcastle
Andrej Kramaric (right) is wanted at Newcastle
Pellegrini, a title winner from his Manchester City days, would likely command a larger contract than Benitez as he is well paid at Chinese side Hebei China Fortune already.
But his transfer demands may not be as high as ex-Liverpool gaffer Benitez.
And that may eventually sway the Hammers to go for the Chilean, who also lists Real Madrid, Villarreal and River Plate on his impressive list of previous clubs.