The Scottish Sun reports that Rafa Benitez is on the verge of leaving Newcastle United.
The Spaniard has been offered a one-year contract extension worth £6 million but is currently refusing to sign and his current deal expires next Sunday.
Therefore, unless the club comes back in with improved terms, it looks as though he will leave after three years at St James’ Park.
That could potentially be good news for Rangers’ attempts to hold onto Alfredo Morelos.
The 22-year-old has reportedly expressed his desire to play in the Premier League [
Daily Record] and Benitez’s Magpies were said to be weighing up a big bid earlier this summer [Daily Record].
However, ongoing managerial uncertainty has ensured major transfer operations have been suspended at Newcastle for several weeks [
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Now, it looks increasingly unlikely there’ll be a Toon swoop for Morelos.
If Benitez does leave and another manager comes in, he’s sure to have his own transfer targets.
That would mean the Gers have one less heavyweight club to worry about. Yet, Newcastle aren’t the only Premier League side credited with an interest in El Bufalo.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City are also said to be weighing up a move. Sky Sports linked the two parties back in March and various outlets have suggested at continued interest in recent months.
