Rafael Benitez: 'Steven Gerrard transfer would be difficult'

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has suggested that he is unlikely to reunite with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Earlier this week, Los Angeles Galaxy announced that Gerrard would be leaving the club, and the midfielder has already been linked with the vacant managerial position at MK Dons and a chance to play for Italian giants Inter Milan.

Playing under Benitez at St James' Park also appeared to be a possibility but the Spaniard has played down the option of signing Gerrard on a free transfer.

The 56-year-old told Chronicle Live: "I think he's a great player and has been one of the best I have ever coached. We haven't talked about [the transfer].

"It's a surprise, and is it a possibility? It would be very difficult because we have a good team and we are doing well. We are not looking for names."

Gerrard famously skippered Benitez's Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005.