Valencia are in contact with former Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez.

AS says Los Che sporting director Jesús García Pitarch is sounding out the former Real Madrid boss through his agent, Manuel García Quilón.

Pitarch and Benítez also worked together during Benítez's successful spell as Valencia coach between 2001 and 2004, with the ex-Liverpool manager given a warm reception by the Mestalla crowd on his return to the ground in charge of Real.

Gary Neville isn't expected to be immediately sacked, but Benitez has been asked about returning to Valencia over the summer.