Rafa Benítez will join Newcastle on a three-year deal pending comfirmation from the Tyneside club, a source close to the manager understands. The Madrid-born manager will return to coaching just three months after leaving Real Madrid, with the aim of pulling the Magpies out of the relegation places. Newcastle lie second from bottom on on 24 points, although with a game in hand.

Newcastle are expexcted to rescind their contractual arrangement with Steve McClaren in the new few hours after convinmving Benítez to take the reins. Negociations have not been easy as Benítez has demanded additional control over certain aspects of his role, with the hope of formulating a long-term project at the club.

Benítez returns to the Premier League after two spells in Engkand with Liverpool (2004-2010) and Chelsea (2012-2013).