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Rafa Benitez’s representatives have held dialogue with Newcastle United over the possibility of taking over the relegation-haunted Magpies.

However, the situation is ongoing as the former Valencia and Real Madrid boss seeks clarification on the terms and conditions of the job.

Benitez is eager to return to football management and a decision to move back to his home on the Wirral after being sacked by Real Madrid underlines he is keen on another crack at the Premier League.

The Spaniard was one of the names discussed by United’s football board on Monday when they held an out of city crisis meeting in the aftermath of the 3-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth.

Benitez spent six years at Liverpool and won the Champions League and FA Cup but his experiences in England more recently resulted in him guiding Chelsea to third spot in the Premier League and the Europa League trophy back in 2013.

Newcastle are yet to hold face-to-face talks with Benitez yet sources close to the Spaniard’s representatives have suggested he might be prepared to take the job on an initial interim basis for the last 10 games.

Benitez can see the precarious position the Magpies are in at the moment and any new head coach would require a 50% win ration in the last 10 games in order to guarantee Premier League football next season.

Benitez has every right to suggest that a lot of the damage has already been done and the odds are against Newcastle considering he can’t sign any new players and must work with the struggling side already in place.

However, were Benitez prove to be unable to save Newcastle it is believed he would not have an interest in going from managing Real Madrid to potentially the Championship and taking on MK Dons, Brentford and Huddersfield in a matter of months.

The Chronicle understands, though, that if Benitez was to guide Newcastle to safety he would be looking to rebuild the club.

Benitez will also want to bring in his own staff to Newcastle and revamp the backroom.

Plus the Spaniard, who has also managed Inter Milan and Napoli, will want a big say in recruitment which means the days of chief scout Graham Carr calling the shots in the boardroom on transfers may have to come to an end.

The situation is a gamble for Newcastle but fans have been receptive to the idea of Benitez taking charge with their club sinking in the Premier League.

With a decision yet to be made, Steve McClaren remains in his position as head coach and has been told to continue preparing the team for the clash with Leicester City on Monday night.

Although, things are starting to get tricky for United.

They are scheduled to have a pre-match Press conference in the next 48 hours and if McClaren stays they would have to send him out to face questions about his future and the current situation.

McClaren will not resign from his position meaning Newcastle will be forced into relieving him of his duties.

They would also have to pay out compensation to McClaren and potentially some of his staff.

With no experienced candidates within the four walls to step in and take the job as caretaker boss, Newcastle are unlikely to part company without having a replacement lined up.