Rafa Benitez has claimed he is relaxed about his future at Newcastle United and is willing to discuss a contract extension, despite being flattered by those who have argued he would be a good choice to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Benitez has endured a stressful second full season on Tyneside and was frustrated by a breakdown in trust with owner Mike Ashley, after he believed he was promised more money last summer to invest in the team.

He declared after Sunday’s victory over Arsenal that guaranteed Premier League survival that “everything has to be right” for him to agree to stay on St James’ Park, but there is no doubt his attitude is softening.

Although his relationship with Ashley is a strained one, he will listen to what the billionaire has to say and his strong bond with the supporters on Tyneside would make it difficult for him to leave at this stage.

As long as Ashley is willing to allow him to invest in the team, as well as improve the club’s training ground and overhaul the Academy structure, Benitez is willing to thrash out a deal to extend his contract.