Magpies have not reached out to Benitez about return
FORMER Newcastle
Rafa Benitez has approached by Mike return to Tyneside.
The Sunday Sun understands that there is no truth in suggestions that the Sports Direct tycoon has contacted Benitez to come back.
The Spaniard is available again after leaving Dalian Pro in China last month, and while he has not ruled out a return one day – perhaps under new owners – there is no offer on the table as it stands.
Ashley is happy to stick with Steve Bruce and allow him to gel with new first-team coach Graeme Jones in the last 14 games.
The Sunday Sun has learned that Ashley is currently in the United Arab Emirates and is believed to be exploring business opportunities, meeting with some high-profile figures in the Middle East in recent times.
United boss not been Ashley to
The retail magnate is being guided by managing director Lee Charnley and close aide Justin Barnes on events back home, and the duo are content with recent form after two victories in the Premier League against Everton and Southampton.
By the same token, Bruce knows that results must continue to improve and the threat of relegation needs to be extinguished as quickly as possible.
● Former Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye has announced his retirement from professional football.
The Frenchman joined Newcastle in 2011 from Lille, and instantly became a fans’ favourite as he played a key role in the Magpies finishing fifth in the Premier League.
Despite leaving under a cloud in January 2014 as he joined PSG, goals against Manchester United and Liverpool during his time on Tyneside live long in the memory of most supporters.
In fact, the cultured midfielder scored the winner the last time Newcastle beat tonight’s opponents Manchester United at Old Trafford, back in 2013.
Cabaye returned to the Premier League to join Crystal Palace in 2015 where he spent three years before heading to the Middle East, before a final return to France and St-etienne in 2020.
STEVE Bruce believes actions are louder than words after Fulham’s vow to catch Newcastle United in this year’s relegation battle.
Last Saturday, the Magpies were 10 points clear of the 18th-placed Cottagers; now that advantage has been whittled down to just three.
Fulham beat Everton 2-0 last Sunday, drew 1-1 at Burnley in midweek and beat Sheffield United 1-0 last night thanks to an Ademola Lookman goal.
Manager Scott Parker, a former Newcastle captain, and Nigeria star Ola Aina both said in midweek they believe the Londoners can escape the drop zone.
But when asked on Friday about Fulham’s bullishness, Bruce said: “If they are confident, let’s see where they are at the end of the season.
“You have to quietly get on with the job and get points on the board and that’s what we’ll do.”
United sit on 25 points with 14 games left. Bruce admitted he has set a points target but didn’t disclose what it is.
He said: “No matter what anybody else does, you set yourself a target.
“Five, six or seven teams are separated by a couple of points. We know we have to get to a certain figure as soon as we can.”
United are just five points behind Southampton in 13th so Bruce believes it isn’t just about themselves and Fulham.
He added: “From 13th downwards you are always looking over your shoulder. It’s how you approach the games.
“We have had a couple of wins recently but always knew Chelsea and Man United would be tough.”