Former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is set for a return to management with Celta Vigo. The ex-Everton, Liverpool and Real Madrid boss has turned down approaches from Saudi Arabia to agree a deal with the La Liga side according to the Athletic.
Benitez has been out of work since his turbulent tenure at Goodison Park came to an end in January last year. The 63-year-old had been linked with the likes of Leicester City and West Ham in recent months, but now seems to return to Spain seven years after his brief stint in Madrid.
Celta Vigo were in the market for a new head coach after Carlos Carvahal left his post by mutual consent earlier this month. The team staved off relegation fears with a final-day win over Barcelona to ultimately secure a 13th-placed finish.
One of Benitez's first tasks in the hot seat could be securing a replacement for Gabri Veiga. The 21-year-old, who has been linked with Newcastle this summer, is expected to leave this summer with Chelsea and Liverpool currently considered among the frontrunners for his signature.
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Veiga enjoyed a breakout campaign, registering 11 goals and four assists in La Liga. The midfielder has a release clause in the region of £34 million in place, with recent reports suggesting the Premier League is his most likely destination.
Reports from Spain earlier this month suggested Newcastle were close to confirming Veiga as their first senior summer signing. However, speculation over a prospective switch to St James' Park has cooled in recent weeks.
