Newcastle fans fear Rafael Benítez is ready to answer West Ham’s £6m call | Louise Taylor


Hammers are thought likely to trigger the disillusioned Newcastle manager’s release clause if the mounting pressure on Slaven Bilic ends with the sack

In football parlance, Rafael Benítez faces a late fitness test before Sunday’s trip to Swansea, City but is rated doubtful. Newcastle United’s manager has spent the last week recovering from surgery to clear infection from an old hernia repair, yet, despite being in considerable discomfort, he did not forget about a fan’s fundraising event for a food bank, which was staged on Thursday night. Benítez duly picked up the telephone and not only pledged a generous donation but asked what else he could do to help the cause.

Related: Rafael Benítez open to job offers amid anger over Newcastle transfers

Related: West Ham’s Slaven Bilic admits he laughed at ‘Dildo Brothers’ remark

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