Rafa Benitez approached to replace Gary Neville at Valencia

Valencia have approached Rafael Benitez about replacing Gary Neville at the Mestalla, according to Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Neville has come in for intense scrutiny this week after his Valencia side suffered a 7-0 defeat in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona.

The pressure on Neville, though, was beginning to mount before Wednesday's humbling at the Camp Nou, with the former Manchester United defender still without a league win after eight attempts.

Benitez, who won two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup during a successful three-year spell with Valencia, has been out of work since he was replaced by Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid in January.

Having already managed in La Liga this season, Benitez would have to wait until the summer under league rules that prevent a manager taking charge of two clubs in the same campaign.

Balague confirmed Los Che had made contact with Benitez about replacing Neville, although, at this stage, the Spaniard has not made a decision.

"Valencia's new director of football, Garcia Pitarch, has contacted Rafa," Balague said. "He did not commit, though."

"But the story was leaked to appease fans who think Rafa would be ideal."

"One problem with that possibility is that Valencia owner Peter Lim is friends with Jorge Mendes, the super-agent who built the side. Mendes is also Jose Mourinho's agent, and we all know the relationship Jose and Rafa had."

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