Former Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton says he cannot see Rafael Benitez leaving St James Park to take over at West Ham.
Benitez has been heavily linked with the now vacant job at the London Stadium, and after Slaven Bilic was fired earlier today, speculation that the Spaniard could be on his way out of Tyneside has intensified.
However, Barton believes that Benitez would not be so naive to swap Newcastle for East London, especially with the club’s impending takeover.
“I know he was close to it, but the fact Newcastle looks like it’s about to be sold, if you were going to buy Newcastle you’d be wise to say ‘sit tight and we’ll give you x amount of money when we come in’.”Barton said speaking on TalkSPORT.
“I can’t see Rafa budging,”
Benitez’s Newcastle have enjoyed a solid start to life back in England’s top flight, and currently sit in 11th place with 14 points from 11 games, while West Ham reside in the league’s relegation zone with only 9 points to their name.
