Benitez agrees three-year deal with Newcastle

If Larranaga’s claims are correct, the former Liverpool boss returns to the Premier League six years after leaving Anfield - and three years after departing Chelsea.

And he could face a quick reunion with his old club with Newcastle travelling to face Liverpool on April 23.

The Spaniard won the Champions League during his time on Merseyside and is a big fan favourite.

A hero’s welcome is expected if and when he does arrive back.

Benitez was sacked by Real Madrid earlier this season and he’s been keen to get back in the hotseat ever since.

It marks the end of a rough few months for Steve McClaren.

Fans turned on the ex-England boss during Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat by Bournemouth.

He took training as normal ahead of the Leicester clash on Monday but now his time appears to be up.

There were suggestions yesterday that Newcastle had cancelled a scheduled pre-match press conference.

But no date or time for it had actually been fixed with the next game not until Monday.

If things move quickly, Benitez could now be in the dugout for the trip to the Foxes.

He will join Newcastle with them sitting second bottom in the Premier League.

They are one point adrift of arch rivals Sunderland, who sit 17th.

(dailystar.co.uk)