[ad_pod ]

Aston Villa are eyeing a shock swoop to snatch Rafael Benitez from Newcastle United, according to The Mirror.

What's the word?

Steve Bruce was sacked by Aston Villa on Tuesday and the Championship promotion hopefuls are now swiftly looking to land a replacement, with a plan to have a new boss in charge for the clash with Swansea City after the international break.

A number of names have already been touted with a move to Villa Park and The Mirror states a shock approach is being considered for Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez, who has found it difficult to earn financial backing on Tyneside.

However, an audacious move for Benitez could be difficult to secure due to the Spaniard's frosty relationship with Villa CEO Christian Purslow, who he blames for his departure from Liverpool in 2010.

Should Villa move?

Villa's search for a new manager sees the club in desperate need for somebody who can hit the ground running to bring an end to a woeful run of form that has seen the club win just one of their last ten matches in all competitions.

[brid autoplay="true" video="302569" player="12034" title="The Last Time Man Utd Started A Season So Badly"]

Benitez, who guided Newcastle to promotion from the Championship in the 2016-17 season, is a figure who has earned great respect in English football for his successes and has impressed while working with limited funds with the Magpies.

However, tempting him to switch Premier League football for the Championship may be a difficult task and Newcastle will desperately try to block their advances - but there is no harm in trying and it would be an inspired appointment.