Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is very close to agreeing to stay at the club, according to Times journalist George Caulkin.

The Spaniard had been expected to depart St James' Park following the Magpies’ relegation. However, according to Caulkin, talks with owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley have convinced him to stay.

“There was a three-hour meeting with Mike Ashley on Sunday night... he met with Lee Charnley – that's gone very positively indeed. He's already looking at potential signings for Newcastle", said Caulkin.