Newcastle United are edging closer to confirming that Rafa Benitez will stay on as manager next season, Sky sources understand.

Benitez signed a three-year deal to become Newcastle boss back in March, when he replaced Steve McClaren, but the contract is reported to include an option to cancel at the end of the season.

The Spaniard was unable to keep the club in the Premier League, leading to doubts over whether he would stay, but it appears a meeting with owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley on Sunday was positive.

They talked for two hours after the stunning 5-1 win over Tottenham at St James' Park, giving Ashley a first chance to speak to Benitez face-to-face since his arrival at the club.

After the game Benitez said his heart was leading him towards staying on Tyneside to try and guide Newcastle back to the Premier League, and he admitted that fantastic support from the club's fans was also swaying him.

Jamie Carragher believes Rafael Benitez has a difficult decision to make Jamie Carragher believes Rafael Benitez has a difficult decision to make

Sources understand Ashley was impressed by Benitez during their meeting, with the Spaniard keen to find out what ambitions the owner has for their bid to get out of the Championship at the first attempt.

Benitez is reported to be particularly keen to take control over the club's transfer business before committing his future to the club.

Benitez had this to say about his future after the win over Tottenham Benitez had this to say about his future after the win over Tottenham

After beating Spurs, he said: "I said I am quite open and I am quite pleased with everything, the staff, everything, now it's just to be sure that we have to do what we have to do to be sure that we can go up if I stay here.

"They know, we have been talking. I have the same feeling as the fans, they want a strong team next season to be sure we go up again.

"The way and the ideas will not be difficult to have, to have similar ideas, but we have to sit down and make sure of everything."