By Paddy Kenny

28th Oct, 2021 | 5:30pm

Benitez to make announcement soon after Newcastle source's update - Kenny

Rafael Benitez will soon announce that he is committed to Everton despite interest in his services from Newcastle United.

So says ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 61-year-old former Magpies boss.

Benitez has long been the mega-rich new owners’ favoured choice to replace Steve Bruce in the dugout.

As quoted by The Guardian on 15 October, Benitez claimed “it is not an issue” when asked about a possible return to Tyneside.

But a Newcastle source told this site on 26 October that there remains a glimmer of hope that they can prise the Spaniard away from the Toffees.

His Everton side suffered a shock 5-2 defeat to Watford on 23 October but are just three points outside the top four after nine matches.

And Kenny anticipates that Benitez could categorically rule out a second spell at St James’ Park if asked in the near future.

“It was a massive move for him to go there given his past,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.

“We know his history with Liverpool and how well-liked he was there. He has always lived in that area too, which is a big factor.

“I think it would be poor from him to leave but you wonder who could turn that job down with the money they’ve got.

“But ultimately I think, if he gets asked the question again soon, he’ll say he is not interested and squash it.”

In other news, finance expert claims Everton in same position as mega-rich Newcastle after CEO update.