Football
Pete O'Rourke 9y

Rafael Benitez set to quit as Napoli manager in June, sources say

Rafael Benitez is set to leave Napoli at the end of the season even if he is offered a new contract by the Italian club, sources have told ESPN FC.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed earlier this week that Benitez can remain at the San Paolo "for the next five years" if he wants to.

However, sources said Benitez will quit Napoli when his contract expires in June, putting clubs in the Premier League on alert over his availability.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez joined Napoli in the summer of 2013 and led them to the Coppa Italia and third place in Serie A in his first season in charge

This season Bentiez has endured an indifferent campaign with Napoli failing to mount a serious bid for the title, but he has guided the club to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Benitez's future has been the subject of speculation for some time, but sources say the Spaniard plans to move on even if Napoli win the Europa League as he seeks a new challenge.

Benitez has won the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool and the Europa League with Chelsea.

He has never hidden his desire to return to the Premier League and has been linked with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and West Ham as doubts surround the long-term futures of Manuel Pellegrini, Brendan Rodgers and Sam Allardyce beyond this season.

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