Rafa Benitez could begin his rebuilding job at Newcastle by making a move for Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sportsmail understands the Spaniard’s name has been mentioned within St James’ Park and the 33-year-old would be available on a free transfer with his contract set to expire at the Bernabeu later this month.

Benitez signed Arbeloa for Liverpool in 2007 and they were reunited at Madrid last summer.

Rafa Benitez is keen to bring Champions League winning right-back Alvaro Arbeloa into Newcastle United

The manager, right, signed Arbeloa when he was in charge of Liverpool and was reunited with him at Real

Newcastle are in the market for a right-back with Holland international Daryl Janmaat likely to leave the relegated Magpies and, with Benitez having been handed total control over transfers, experienced players with no sell-on value are no longer off limits.

Arbeloa appeared 233 times for Real over seven seasons but found first-team opportunities restricted this term and was given an emotional send-off by the club’s fans at the end of the campaign.

Meanwhile, one player heading out of Newcastle is long-serving Steven Taylor. The centre-back, 30, made his debut in 2004 but he has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons and he has decided against the offer of a one-year contract extension.

Newcastle are expected to lose defender Daryl Janmaat this summer after their relegation to the second tier

‘It'll be a huge wrench to leave Newcastle but I've been offered exciting opportunities both in the UK and abroad and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge,’ he said.

‘I've loved my time at Newcastle. I'll always be a huge fan of the club and I'll be returning to St James' Park as a supporter whenever I can.’

Benitez added: ‘Steven has been a very good player for this club for a long time and his character and personality has always been very positive, including during difficult times.’