Revealed: Jose Mourinho's stance on Newcastle job

Jose Mourinho [Courtesy]

Rafa Benitez is leaving Newcastle after failing to agree on a new contract.

The Spaniard's current deal was up this summer but Newcastle had hoped he would extend his three-year stay.

Benitez has continually bemoaned a lack of ambition at St. James' Park and he has now decided to walk away.

"We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however, it has not been - and will not be - possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives," a club statement read.

Newcastle chief Mike Ashley is now looking for another manager during his ill-fated reign.

The early frontrunners for the post are Garry Monk and Chris Hughton while former AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has also been linked.

Mirror Sport reported earlier this month that Mourinho was ready to talk if Newcastle’s potential new owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan comes calling.

Mourinho, who is aware of the interest has told friends the Newcastle job is one that he would consider seriously.

He has always had a soft spot for the Geordies since working with his mentor and Newcastle icon Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona in the 1990s.

Mourinho left Manchester United in December with the club languishing in sixth in the Premier League.

He was also axed by Chelsea in his previous job in England but he had great success in two spells at Stamford Bridge before then.

Could the opportunity to restore his reputation lure him to Newcastle?