Speaking to Radio Marca Tenerife, Ayoze Perez has revealed Newcastle United’s best summer signing was manager Rafa Benitez.

Benitez was appointed at St James’ Park last March, with the view to guiding the Magpies to Premier League safety, something the former Real Madrid manager was unable to achieve.

Despite Newcastle’s relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, Benitez opted to remain at St James’ Park and aim to get the club promoted.

The Chronicle Live translated Perez’s Spanish quotes, which read: “The return of Benitez was the best possible summer signing.”

Benitez has his Newcastle side on course for an instant Premier League return, with the Magpies currently top of the Championship table.

Despite failing to record a victory in their last three outings, the Magpies still hold a point advantage over Brighton and Hove Albion at the top of the table, and more importantly sit seven clear of Huddersfield Town, who are third.

Following this week’s international break, Benitez’s side face back-to-back home fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion.

Newcastle fans… Do you think your club would have had the same kind of success this season without Benitez? Let us know in the comments!