Rafa Benitez set to *stay* at Newcastle United with new deal imminent

With their relegation from the Premier League confirmed, it soon became clear that Newcastle United supporters were keen for Rafa Benitez to stay on at the club and help them seal promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

Local paper, the Newcastle Chronicle, resorted to a front-page begging letter as they tried to convince the Spaniard to extend his stay on Tyneside. https://twitter.com/jamiewh_/status/731010818741936128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw It seems to have worked. Reports claim that the man that was managing Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema not so long ago has agreed to remain with Newcastle. Comfirmation of the deal is expected at some point on Wednesday or Thursday, with Benitez said to on his way to the North East following a short break at his family home in Merseyside. Despite being in charge of the club when they were relegated, Benitez was only appointed by the club in March with Newcastle already facing the prospect of the drop following Steve McClaren's spell at the helm. An upturn in form for fellow-strugglers Sunderland eventually saw Newcastle lose their Premier League status. Benitez is also said to have identified several transfer targets as he prepares to sign a new contract. Given the circumstances, it's quite a coup for Newcastle United.