David Moyes claims he held talks to become Newcastle manager prior to Rafa Benitez's appointment

Saturday 23 December 2017 10:09, UK

David Moyes has claimed he held talks with Newcastle about succeeding Steve McClaren in charge at St James’ Park prior to Rafa Benitez’s appointment.

The West Ham manager, who replaced Slaven Bilic in November, has overseen an upturn in form with the Hammers to guide the club outside the relegation zone while Newcastle are without a victory in their last nine Premier League matches.

Moyes, whose side face the Magpies at the London Stadium on Saturday, revealed he held discussions with the club in March 2016 before the hierarchy chose the Spaniard.

"They did (contact me). I had contact with Newcastle. For different reasons, it didn't quite come off but that's right," Moyes said when asked if he had ever been sounded out for the Newcastle job.

"Just for different reasons [it didn't happen]. One of my representatives met Newcastle at the time, but for different reasons we didn't do it."

Moyes also revealed in his pre-match press conference he had no intention of discussing a new contract until the season comes to a close.

The former Everton and Manchester United boss was handed a six-month deal by the Hammers board and after a slow start to his tenure, which saw the club pick up one point from four matches, he has since picked up seven points from his last three league fixtures.