Newcastle United will give Rafa Benitez the title of ‘manager’ as they look to appoint him before Monday’s trip to Leicester – but first they must sack Steve McClaren after another farcical day on Tyneside.

The Magpies want the Spaniard to replace their outgoing head coach and talks between intermediaries and managing director Lee Charnley have been very encouraging.

Newcastle are prepared to make concessions to land their top target in a bid to save them from relegation during the final 10 games of the season, and that will include dispensing with their 'head coach' model. There will also be a significant financial incentive for achieving Premier League survival.

Newcastle closing on former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez and want him installed before Leicester clash

Steve McClaren was meant to meet Lee Charnley at St James' Park on Wednesday but it was put off

Summer budgets have been mentioned during discussions, suggesting that Benitez sees a move to the North-East as a long-term project as opposed to a firefighting role.

The only stumbling block is the level of control he will have over transfers, but Newcastle are so desperate to appoint the former Real Madrid boss that promises are set to be made over his influence. Benitez would also want to bring his own backroom team, and that would not be an issue.

It will prove a popular appointment among supporters, who are now growing tired of the ongoing saga with McClaren.

He has taken training for the past two days despite the club lining up his successor.

The relationship between the fans and McClaren has diminished, with his position becoming untenable

McClaren was not happy that he awoke to headlines revealing that Benitez is the man they are pursuing, even though they are yet to dismiss him.

The former England boss was supposed to report to St James’ Park for a meeting with Charnley on Wednesday afternoon but instead returned to his home in Yarm in North Yorkshire.

Talks between intermediaries and managing director Charnley have been very encouraging

It all added to the sense of chaos and confusion around the club, who decided on Monday that McClaren’s position was untenable during a secret board meeting in York.

Thursday’s pre-match press conference to preview the trip to Leicester has been scrapped, but McClaren has another meeting scheduled with Charnley. It is expected that the terms of his exit will be discussed.

Once McClaren has gone we understand Benitez and the club will open formal talks and they hope to have him installed in time for the live TV game against the league leaders.