Rafael Benitez to confirm future on Thursday?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 May 2015

Napoli call a press conference for Thursday, where it is expected that manager Rafael Benitez will announce that he is joining Real Madrid.

Napoli have called a press conference for Thursday amid rumours that Rafael Benitez is on the verge of being confirmed as the new manager of Real Madrid.

Los Blancos sacked Carlo Ancelotti earlier this week following a trophiless season, and the Italian's agent has claimed that Benitez is "99%" certain to take over at the Bernabeu.

The former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Chelsea boss will be present alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis for the press conference, where it is expected that the Spanish manager will announce his departure.

"President Aurelio De Laurentiis announced this afternoon that in a few hours time there would be some news," read a statement on Napoli's official website.

"That news is that at 1pm (local time) on Thursday, there will be a press conference held by the club president, alongside Rafa Benitez."

Benitez, who began his coaching career with Real's reserve side, still has one more match left in charge of Napoli, with Lazio their opponents at the Stadio San Paolo on the final day of the Serie A season.

Just three points separate the two sides in the league, and victory for the hosts would see them leapfrog Lazio into the final Champions League spot due to their superior head-to-head record.