Rafa Benitez has warned Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira off joining Newcastle United.
The Spaniard left St. James' Park last month for Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
The Sun says Benitez has spoken with Manchester City assistant Arteta and Nice boss Vieira about the dangers of replacing him on Tyneside.
Toon are still without a manager despite preseason training having begun.