Rafa Benitez yet to meet with Newcastle MD Lee Charnley with Steve McClaren in limbo

Time is running out for Newcastle to implement Rafa Benitez as manager before Monday's match with Leicester

Rafa Benitez and Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley are yet to hold face-to-face talks about the Spaniard becoming manager at St James' Park, according to Sky sources.

Benitez is reported to have been offered a three-year contract following talks via intermediaries, with head coach Steve McClaren set to be sacked if and when a deal is agreed.

However, time is now running out to get Benitez in place before the Monday Night Football clash with Leicester - first team coach Ian Cathro and football development manager Peter Beardsley are expected to be in charge of first team affairs at the King Power Stadium.

Sky's Keith Downie has the latest on the managerial situation at St James' Park as Newcastle aim to bring in Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McClaren Sky's Keith Downie has the latest on the managerial situation at St James' Park as Newcastle aim to bring in Rafa Benitez to replace Steve McClaren

McClaren and the Newcastle team have a day off on Friday - the former England manager has been taking training as normal for the last three days as speculation over his future intensified.

Sky sources reported on Wednesday that Newcastle made an approach for the Spaniard and it is understood he will be named the club's manager, with the Magpies ready to scrap their current policy of employing a head coach.

Newcastle United head coach Steve McClaren leaves a training session at Darsley Park, Newcastle

McClaren spoke to managing director Charnley on the telephone on Wednesday afternoon but did not face the media on Thursday ahead of the trip to Leicester.

Saturday's 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth condemned Newcastle to their fifth loss in six matches and left them in 19th place in the Premier League table.