Rafa Benitez would prefer to stay on as Newcastle United manager, despite the fact West Ham are poised to make an official approach to the man they want to take charge of the team next season.

West Ham released a statement on Thursday evening in which they assured supporters they are close to appointing a manager with a proven track record in Europe and the Premier League.

Benitez fits into that category, as does the former Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who is currently head coach of Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune. Pellegrini is also on West Ham’s shortlist, but the focus has centred on Benitez in recent days.

Newcastle responded a few hours later with a statement to Sky Sports News in which they said they were "confident Rafa Benitez will stay at the club."

“I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward,” said West Ham’s joint chairman David Sullivan.