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Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has attempted to bring Steven Gerrard to St. James’ Park as Rafa Benitez’s replacement.

Ashley targeted Rangers boss Gerrard and Nice manager Patrick Vieira after Benitez’s contract ran out and the Spaniard left for China.

But the Sports Direct magnate has known from the offset that the chances of luring Liverpool legend Gerrard to Tyneside were slim.

He was still prepared to try and alerted Gerrard’s representatives to the possibility of a quick return to the Premier League.

But Gerrard has only been at Ibrox 12 months and any departure this summer wouldn’t be welcomed by the Rangers fans.

(Image: PA) (Image: Rangers FC/Press Association Ima)

This week he leads the club into Europa League action in Gibraltar against St. Joseph’s and the Rangers hierarchy haven’t welcomed Newcastle ’s interest especially after Ashley’s previous volatile relationship with the club.

Vieira has indicated that he his happy to stay at Nice leaving Ashley with a huge problem with the players now involved in pre-season training.

He is also frustrated at the slow process involving a potential take over by Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan.

(Image: PA)

So far no funds have been forthcoming from the Middle East based group after agreeing to pay the £350 million asking price.

It has left Ashley in the driving seat to find a successor to Benitez who will placate angry Newcastle fans, many of whom have not so far renewed their season tickets.