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Rafa Benitez has told Newcastle United chiefs he has no intention of walking away from St James’ Park this summer.

We understand that positive discussions have taken place between Benitez and the club hierarchy following a week of uncertainty since the campaign ended.

A competitive transfer budget is in place, but Benitez knows he may have to shave the club’s wage bill if he wants to bring in more high-profile targets this summer.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Benitez has never walked out on any of his managerial contracts throughout his career so far, and the affectionate bond and rapport he has built up with the Tyneside public have made him eager to deliver more success.

The Toon boss was linked with West Ham United last week, while there was also interest in his services from abroad, including Zenit Saint Petersburg of the Russian Premier League.

But even though Benitez has yet to agree to a new deal with the Magpies a week after the season finished, he is not likely to break his existing deal to move elsewhere.

Discussions have now opened with managing director Lee Charnley about recruitment, with the duo working through a specific shortlist of targets.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Charnley has been told by owner Mike Ashley to ensure that Benitez remains in charge, with the former Real Madrid and Liverpool manager’s future at the top of the club’s priority list.

The club’s board know that Benitez leaving the club would be a PR disaster this summer and they would be unable to fill the huge void that would leave behind.

Benitez has made his feelings clear when it comes to what is needed in order to improve on United’s top-10 position this season.

Although, the timing of United’s recent accounts - which revealed the club are still recovering from a £90million loss after relegation in 2016 - suggested Ashley is not willing to take any big chances.

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Benitez will continue to push his ideas to Charnley and while he has no control over potential approaches from other clubs - which still remains in danger due to the £6million get-out clause in his existing deal - he intends to see out the remainder of his deal.

Newcastle officials know what it will take to extend his stay beyond that and Benitez has remained calm and open-minded on the situation.

Yet no extension to his current contract has been agreed and unfortunately that uneasy feeling on Tyneside could stay until United draw up a satisfactory plan for the 58-year-old.

Benitez is aiming to bring in full-back cover, a new striker, and a new winger, while a deal to sign Martin Dubravka is also set to happen in due course after a successful loan spell from Sparta Prague.