Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez looks set to stay at St James’ Park ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The Spaniard has led the Magpies to an immediate return to the top-flight with 29 wins from their 46 Championship matches, helping them to automatic promotion alongside former boss Chris Hughton’s Brighton.
Benitez’s men usurped the Seagulls in the race for title on Sunday after comprehensively beating Barnsley 3-0 at St James’ Park, and coupled with Brighton only managing a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, the Magpies pipped them to top spot by a point.
And it looks like the 57-year-old will indeed lead Newcastle into the Premier League next season, with the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss optimistic ahead of talks with owner Mike Ashley next week.
He said: ‘I’m excited about what happens in the future here.
‘I decided to stay [a year ago] because of the stature of the club, the potential of the club was in my head.
‘So hopefully everything can be fine in the future.’
This will be music to the ears of Newcastle fans who have seen Benitez and their side negotiate a potentially tricky season in the Championship to earn an immediate return to the top-flight.
The 57-year-old is certainly well valued by the Magpies faithful, and with the right backing from owner Ashley, the future certainly looks bright in that part of the North East.