Man City coach linked with Newcastle United

Manchester City assistant manager , Mikel Arteta is reportedly  to be on the verge of joining  Newcastle United as head coach after Rafael Benitez failed to agree to a new deal with the club.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss will leave Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the month and the club will now turn their attention to replacing the much-liked Spaniard.

The 59-year-old, Benitez has spent just over three years in charge at St James’ Park since replacing Steve McClaren in March 2016 and Newcastle have revealed that they tried to tie him to a new deal.

“It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019,” Newcastle said on their official website.

“We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however, it has not been and will not be possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”

The failure to strike a new deal with the manager leaves the club with a huge task of getting a replacement for the experienced tactician.

According to bookmaker, Betfair, the 37-year-old former Arsenal midfielder Arteta leads the list of possible replacements and is the 5/1 favourite to take over at the Premier League club, followed by Alan Pardew and Jose Mourinho (both 7/1).

The Magpies confirmed Benitez’s coaching staff, Paco de Miguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club.

“We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved,” the Magpies added.

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