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No Newcastle return for fan favourite Rafa Benitez despite pressure on current boss Steve Bruce - because Spaniard's bitter relationship with owner Mike Ashley would make a reconciliation IMPOSSIBLE

Rafa Benitez is ready to work in the Premier League again after quitting Dalian Professional in China, but is not in line for a return to Newcastle, despite the pressure on Steve Bruce.

The acrimony between Benitez and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley was so great by the time the Spaniard left the North East in 2019 that any reconciliation would be impossible, although Benitez remains hugely popular with fans.

Benitez is not expected to be in the race for the Celtic job, preferring to bide his time and see how the Premier League market unfolds.

Rafa Benitez is ready to work in the Premier League again after quitting Dalian Professional
The acrimony between Benitez and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley (left) makes any reconciliation almost impossible

But the former Real Madrid coach is keen to return to management soon, now his £15million-a-year stint in China is at an end.