Spanish newspaper Marca claim La Liga side Celta Vigo are in advanced talks with Rafa Benitez and are set to offer him a long-term deal in the coming days – after Carlos Carvalhal, a target for Leeds United, left the club recently.
Carvalhal, 57, joined Celta in November and guided the La Liga side to safety on the final day of the season. Many La Liga clubs were threatened with the drop on the final day – but a win against champions Barcelona kept Celta up.
Despite this, Carvalhal left. A surprise report from The Sun on Sunday (4/6; page 60) claimed Leeds were looking at the Portuguese boss, who is now looking for his 22nd spell as a manager. He has had two stints on these shores.
Impressing at Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, he was handed the reigns at Swansea – where he also did well. However, the front runners for the Leeds job currently look to be Daniel Farke, Patrick Vieira and Scott Parker.
But as Carvalhal now ponders his next move in management with a potential move to Elland Road still a possibility, Benitez looks set to replace him. Some outlets have claimed it is a done deal. Marca simply say talks are ongoing.
Celta Vigo in advanced Benitez talks to replace Leeds target Carvalhal
It is perhaps a surprise that Benitez himself has not been linked with Leeds, for a number of reasons. The ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager was linked to replace Jesse Marsch – and his family still resides in Liverpool.
Not only that, but Benitez has spent one season in the Championship – and it proved to be successful. Guiding Newcastle United back into the top flight. Perhaps, expected, given the strength of his Toon squad that season.
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