Time to talk: Benitez is thought to be an important part of any takeover deal at Newcastle

Newcastle bosses are ready to open talks on extending Rafa Benitez’s contract at the club.

Benitez has less than 18 months remaining on his current £6 million-a-year deal and there has been repeated speculation about his future.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager has felt undermined during the last two transfer windows and was seen as an important part of the failed attempted takeover of the club by Amanda Staveley.

However Benitez has been given assurances he will be allowed to sign three players this month, including his first choice striker, and talks about committing himself to the future are expected to follow.

There is a desire to extend the three-year deal that he signed in the close season of 2016, following a 10-game