Rafael Benitez says he is in the dark over potential transfers before the window closes Rafa Benitez launched a stinging criticism of Newcastle's summer activity as he said he has "no idea" about what transfers might happen. Newcastle were thrashed 4-0 by Portuguese side Braga in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Wednesday. Dwight Gayle was included in the visitors' starting line-up as...Full Story »

Spain knocked out of the World Cup after losing to Russia on penalties SPAIN have made Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez a target as they look to clean up their managerial mess. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is on the shortlist to succeed Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on the eve of the World Cup. The Spanish FA dispensed with Lopetegui when they discovered he would quit at...Full Story »

Benitez wants to stay at Newcastle - but only if he’s satisfied the club can match his own ambitions The Hammers have made Benitez their No 1 choice to replace David Moyes, while Russian giants Zenit St Petersberg have identified the 58-year-old as Roberto Mancini’s successor. Both would be willing to meet the £6m buy-out clause in his contract, with the Hammers ready to make ...Full Story »

Rafael Benitez replaced Steve McClaren at Newcastle in March 2016 West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, according to Sky sources. The Spaniard almost became Hammers boss in the summer of 2015 before they were gazumped by Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez. Benitez is believed to have a £6m release ...Full Story »

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has admitted he may have to break the club’s transfer record this summer if he is to buy a striker who can score 15 goals a season.The Magpies head into their penultimate game of the campaign at Tottenham on Wednesday evening having secured their top-flight status despite their leading scorer, Ayoze Perez, having managed only six Premier League goals.Benitez w...Full Story »

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will be without midfielders Christian Atsu and Mikel Merino for Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Brom.Atsu missed Monday night’s trip to Everton with a knee problem and Merino has joined him on the sidelines with a similar, but minor, injury.Striker Islam Slimani made his first start for the club at Goodison Park and will hope for a further chan...Full Story »

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is already making plans for next season despite uncertainty over his future on Tyneside.The 57-year-old Spaniard will not countenance entering into talks over extending his current contract at St James’ Park, which will have a year to run at the end of the season, until the club has collected the 40 points he believes will secure its Premier League status.Howe...Full Story »

Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels wants his side to look after their own business and seal the Bundesliga title at Augsburg on Saturday. Bayern, who beat Sevilla in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in midweek, will claim a 28th league crown if they win at the Augsburg Arena, although a point will likely be enough given their vastly superior goal difference over second-placed Sch...Full Story »

Paul Pogba scored and assisted against Newcastle for Man Utd on his injury return Pogba returned to action for the first time since September to inspire Manchester United to a 4-1 thrashing of Benitez's side at Old Trafford. But despite Pogba's man of the match performance, Benitez is convinced he is not yet in the same league as England and Liverpool legend Gerrard. "He Gerrard was a top-cla...Full Story »

The rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez has been a long running one, but the Newcastle United coach refused to discuss his relationship with the man he has followed in the dugout on three separate occasions. The Magpies travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday in the latest clash between the pair. The tension began after the Champions League semi-final between C...Full Story »