Rafa Benitez wants Newcastle return and is already eyeing John Stones and Ross Barkley transfers

RAFA BENITEZ is ready to make an emotional return to Newcastle, according to reports.

The Spaniard left the club last summer after refusing to sign a new contract under Mike Ashley.

Rafa Benitez reportedly fancies a return to Newcastle under the new ownersCredit: Getty

But according to The Telegraph, Benitez wants a return to St James’ Park to work under the new Saudi owners after their £300m takeover.

SunSport exclusively revealed that the Premier League will give the green light for Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium to take control of the St James’ Park club — when the transfer of funds are sorted.

And Benitez, who is currently the manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, has some unfinished business.

He has even lined up a couple of big names to bring in to start off his second coming.

Manchester City defender John Stones and Ross Barkley are on the 60-year-old’s wish-list.

Stones had an injury-hit season before the coronavirus saw the campaign postponed.

He faces a battle to prove to City boss Pep Guardiola that he can be relied upon as first-choice centre-half.

And with a spot with England at next year’s European Championships at stake, he could move to guarantee regular football.

GREEN LIGHT FOR TAKEOVER

Barkley, like Stones, has suffered with injuries ever since he joined Chelsea from Everton.

While Blues boss Frank Lampard seems a fan, he has plenty of options in the middle of the park.

And Barkley is also battling to prove to Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate that he is worthy of a Euros spot.

Regarding the takeover, SunSport understands the League’s owners and directors test found no barrier to the takeover.

Financier Staveley, who is fronting the bid, is expecting official word next week.

Then once the funds and paperwork are sorted an announcement will be made on or around June 1.

There has been no indication that they will look to replace current boss Steve Bruce.

But with Benitez seemingly with unfinished business and even Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with the top job.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk