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Rafa Benitez has held a “productive” meeting with managing director Lee Charnley on Tyneside today.

The pair met to discuss Benitez ’s future less than 24 hours after being relegated, with the Magpies determined to ensure the Spaniard will be the man that leads next season’s promotion charge back to the Premier League.

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It is believed that Benitez wants several assurances before agreeing to continue as boss – but at this stage has not suggested he wants to activate the release clause which will become available to him at full-time on Sunday after the game with Tottenham Hotspur.

And that can be considered a good sign, although Newcastle aren’t close to any announcements just yet.

The meeting took place after training on Tyneside and was one of a series of discussions planned in the next few days.

As yet there has been no agreement between Newcastle and Benitez, but the first step in the process was believed to have been positive.

Newcastle have competition for Benitez’s signature with Everton rumoured to be interested in his services along with offers from Spain.

However, Newcastle feel they are in the box seat at the moment and with one final home game against Tottenham to come fans are already planning to make it clear they want the former Real Madrid boss to stay on at the club.