Newcastle United have reportedly contacted Rafa Benitez as they consider replacements for under-fire manager Steve McClaren.

Sky Sports is reporting the Magpies have spoken with the Spaniard's representatives to see if Benitez would consider stepping in as Newcastle manager for the remainder of the season and beyond.

It is understood Benitez is likely to be receptive to the SOS call to save the relegation-threatened Magpies, with the former Liverpool boss out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January.

Benitez is back living in his UK home in Wirral and is believed to be open to a short-term job in the Premier League just as he was when he took the role at Chelsea in 2012.