Steve McClaren takes training as normal as Rafael Benitez speculation builds

Reports from Spain suggest Benitez had agreed a three-year deal to take over the hot-seat at St James' Park.

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren was back on the training pitch on Thursday morning as speculation that he is to be replaced by Rafael Benitez intensified.

The 54-year-old arrived at the club's Darsley Park training headquarters shortly after 8am with the debate over his future having entered a fifth day, and emerged to take training as usual at around 10.35am.