Fans react as Newcastle United close in on Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McClaren

Steve McClaren remains in charge as head coach and took training this morning - but he is expected to be axed before Monday's night's match away at Leicester City.

Click here for live updates:Here are some of the best tweets from Newcastle (and Sunderland) fans:

Graeme Atkinson @SAFCElvis : Would be an incredible coup for them. Need to understand it's the same players that would be there though. Not easy.

Mark Carrick @MC_SAFC : Presumably to deliver a 3yr plan of regaining premiership status? Fancy going from Real Madrid to the Championship!

Steve Thorpe @leccymansteve : He'll love going to Burton next season

Graham Robertson @GilbertoRoberto : Anyone questioning if Rafa could work 4 Ashley, just remember he's worked for abramovic, F. Perez, Hicks & Gillette !! He'll be fine! #Nufc

Steven Morgan @StevenMorgan67 : Regardless of the out come with mclaren is he going or not is it rafa or not this is most exciting time this season

James Dixon @JamesDixon_ : Jonjo Shelvey and Rafa Benitez in the same season, Mike Ashley you are forgiven. #NUFC

Rob @laticsrob : #Rafa to #NUFC .. What a coup for them!

Marc Nash @MarcNash2: Benitez is the master of getting one-off results so surely he can stretch to ten of those. #nufc

Matthew Balmforth: On Benitez, it would be an absolutely incredible appointment. Will unite the fans, lift the mood and hopefully keep us up. #nufc

Nathan Fradge: The players we have we shudnt be where we are! No character no guts no winners #nufc

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