McClaren future in doubt as Benitez linked with Newcastle

Steve McClaren's future as manager of Newcastle United was up in the air on Thursday with media reports suggesting the club were in negotiations to replace him with former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. The 54-year-old McClaren has been in charge at St James' Park for nine months but they have been anchored in the relegation zone for much of the season while a January spending splurge failed to spark a revival. With only 10 matches remaining to secure their Premier League survival, Newcastle are s