Rafa Benitez is considering staying on as Newcastle manager even if they are relegated to the Championship.

Sportsmail can reveal that the Spaniard has had a change of heart in the past 48 hours having previously accepted that he would part company with the club should they go down.

But Benitez has been swayed by the support he has felt from fans and is convinced that, with guarantees over budgets and control, he can eventually take the Magpies back into Europe.

Rafa Benitez is considering staying on as Newcastle manager even if they are relegated to the Championship

The Spaniard is understood to have had a change of heart after being swayed by fan support

Indeed, we understand that he has this week been discussing his vision for the club’s training ground and wants work to begin on improving the cramped North Tyneside complex as soon as possible.

Newcastle will be relegated if Sunderland win at home to Everton on Wednesday and Benitez will be free to leave after a break clause was included in the three-year deal he signed in March.

However, we understand he is now seriously considering the possibility of remaining at St James’ Park but will not make a decision either way until their fate is known and further discussions have taken place.

Benitez needs assurances over a squad overhaul in the summer but has been guaranteed transfers control

Crucially, he sees the potential of the club and, while offers will arrive from within these shores and abroad if Newcastle go down, he believes one year in the Championship could be worth it in the long term rather than accepting a job elsewhere.

For that to happen, however, the club would have to match his ambition and a squad overhaul would take place this summer to ensure they are well equipped to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

We understand he has already been guaranteed total control over transfers should they stay up and he is clinging to the hope that Everton can do his side a favour at the Stadium of Light.

If so, Newcastle would have to beat Spurs on Sunday and rely on Watford getting a result against Sunderland at Vicarage Road.

Should Newcastle survive then Benitez will get to work immediately on pre-season plans.

But club insiders are aware of interest from Everton in their manager, as reported by Sportsmail last week.

They fear the Toffees could make a move if relegation is confirmed this week and Benitez would then have a decision to make as to where his future lies.