Former Liverpool and Everton manager Rafa Benitez is on the verge of returning to management after agreeing in principle to take over at Celta Vigo.
It will be the Spaniards' first managerial role since he was sacked following his time at Goodison Park - which saw him become the first tactician to sit in the home dugout on both sides of Stanley Park after six years with Liverpool.
Benitez has been open in his intent to return to football management following his ill-fated spell with the Blues. On Friday, the La Liga outfit confirmed that the 63-year-old had agreed in principle to succeed Carlos Carvahal who lasted just 12 months in the post at Estadio Municipal de Balaídos.
Celta managed to avoid relegation on the final day of the season after beating champions Barcelona thanks to a brace from Reds target and in-demand midfielder Gabri Veiga.
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In a statement on their website, Los Celestes said: "The Centenary season, an unforgettable and unrepeatable event for Celticism, points to the fact that it will have a formidable leader from the bench: Real Club Celta has reached an agreement in principle with Rafa Benítez so that the Madrid coach can lead the Olívico team this year so special and 2 other campaigns.
"Rafa Benítez is one of the most successful coaches in the history of our country and has directed world-class teams in the main European leagues: Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, Real Madrid CF, Inter Milan, Naples, Newcastle United FC, Valencia CF, Everton FC and Dalian Pro FC, Valladolid, Osasuna, Tenerife and Extremadura.
"The Madrid coach has extensive experience on the bench with a career that is difficult to match. Rafa Benítez accumulates a total of 1099 games at the highest level and in which he has obtained 549 victories, hosting a truly enviable record," before listing his accolades.
