Rafa Benitez, who is yet to agree a deal to stay at Newcastle, is reportedly set to begin talks to return to Chelsea, where he had a previous interim spell in charge.
They claim that an agreement between Benitez and Chelsea is “imminent”, which would be a move that would shock the football world.
Rafa made an unexpected appearance at the Newcastle training ground yesterday, which led to intense speculation among the media and supporters.
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Many thought he may be clearing his desk before his departure, and these new claims will only add to that theory.
Benitez rumours do not add up
However, thinking logically, it is hard to imagine a manager who is pleading with his current employers for a bigger transfer budget, would leave to go to a club that is banned from buying any players at all – even if that club is Chelsea.
Add to that, the treatment he received from Chelsea fans, both during and after, his interim spell at Stamford Bridge, and the story just does not seem to make sense.
Whether Benitez remains on Tyneside, or opts to leave, it is very unlikely that Chelsea would be his destination.
However, on the flip-side, owner Roman Abramovich’s side won the Europa League in 2013 under Rafa’s management, and that could have some serious influence when it comes to them naming Sarri’s replacement.
This story – true or false – must be important enough to make Newcastle – famed stone-wallers – release a statement immediately, to prevent both social media reaction and the rumour-mill going into overdrive.