Rafael Benitez has reportedly been offered a three-year contract to take charge of Newcastle United.

Speculation has grown over the last 24 hours that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss is owner Mike Ashley's number one choice to replace Steve McClaren, who is expected to be sacked in the near future.

Sky Sports News claimed this morning that Benitez was interested in the St James' Park post, with talks between his representatives and the Premier League club thought to be at an advanced stage.

Now, numerous outlets in Spain have stated that the 55-year-old is in line to pen a deal on Tyneside that runs until 2019.

Further rumours have suggested that Benitez will be handed the title of manager, rather than Newcastle's current head coach model.

That would give the Spaniard the responsibility of buying and selling players, rather than head scout Graham Carr continuing that job.

Benitez has been out of work since he was sacked by Madrid in January.