Newcastle United have not given up on securing former manager Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard is still a cult hero among the St. James' Park faithful after the work he did to get the Magpies back in the Premier League.

Benitez, who eventually left due to a lack of financial backing, is currently in charge at Everton.

The former Liverpool boss is still the first choice for the new Saudi-led consortium that owns the club, per Football Insider.

"Benitez is and always has been first choice to take over," a Magpies source explained.

Benitez is happy at Everton, but may be tempted by a move back to Newcastle, where he would have a lot of money to spend in the coming years.