Rafa Benitez is 'highly unlikely' to be named Derby County manager, according to Derbyshire Live.

The Rams are searching for a new boss after taking the decision to sack previous head coach Phillip Cocu from his position last week.

Since then a number of candidates have been linked with the position.

They include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Liam Rosenior, John Terry, Steve Cooper and John Gregory.

While it remains unclear who will get the job, one man who seems unlikely to get it is Benitez.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United boss was linked with the position but appeared to pour cold water on the reports by claiming that his focus is on preparing for the new season with current club, Dalian Professional.

Asked if he will be the next manager, Benitez said: "No, not really.

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"I think it's a big club and I have a lot of respect for them.

"But at the moment I am quite focused on trying to pass my quarantine here and enjoy it a little bit in England and then prepare for the next season.

"But you never know because football is changing and life is changing too much, but at the moment no."

The Verdict

It always seemed unlikely that Rafa Benitez would get the job.

Derby County will be looking for someone with real experience in the Championship, and while the Spaniard has managed in the second tier before, I can't see him being tempted back.

The search for a new boss continues, and I'm sure that supporters will be itching to get a manager announced once and for all.