However, the Spaniard will not guarantee that until he has everything he has been promised in writing from owner Mike Ashley. In turn, the club have been in talks about opening an overdraft facility in order to give Benitez the money he wants for recruitment.

He will also be given the funds raised by player sales, with France international Moussa Sissoko and Holland defender Daryl Janmaat expected to be the first out of the club after relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle, though, are unlikely to be bullied and could demand as much as £20m for Sissoko, who has a contract with them until 2019. West Ham are keen on the midfielder but do not value the former Toulouse player so highly.