Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has confirmed that he would be interested in the vacant manager’s position at Newcastle.

Newcastle have begun the search for a new manager following the dismissal last week of Graeme Souness. Ranieri, who has experience of the Premiership from his time at Chelsea, has been out of work since being fired by Valencia 12 months ago.

“Newcastle is one of the best clubs in England,” he told BBC Sport. “They are a good, ambitious team and that is very important for me.”

But Ranieri added that he had had no contact with the club.

“I came from Italy yesterday and at the moment there is nothing,” he added.

“I’ve worked in Italy, in Spain and in England, but at the top I put England.

“I love England because of the atmosphere and the fans. If possible, I would like to return to work in England.

“I am looking for another good job with a club who has ambition.

“Newcastle is a good team, an ambitious team. It is one of the best clubs in England.”

Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine