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Newcastle United's top brass - including managing director Lee Charnley - have revealed the club is still up for sale.

Charnley met supporters at the latest fan forum at St James' Park where he was quizzed about the status of the club's manager and whether any investors were close to taking over from Mike Ashley.

Fans asked whether somebody at the club was briefing against the manager to the media.

The board replied: "The club strongly rejected this and stressed its support for the manager.

"Individuals in the football community have their own opinions and most have chosen to lay fault with the club.

"The club would always prefer that any conversations behind the scenes remain private.

"The club worked hard to secure the manager’s targets and is confident that it has a stronger squad than before the summer window.

"Transfer business has addressed some of the areas identified by the manager and time will tell over the course of the season how

positive this business has been.

"The club, the manager and the players believe their group is stronger."

(Image: PA)

When asked if there is a contingency plan to bring in another manager if Benitez goes , the board replied: "The club is focused on Rafa Benítez and would like him to stay."

Fans then asked if the training ground would be improved with the response being: "The club has discussed this with the manager.

"There is a shared aim to improve training facilities but in prioritising its needs, the club feels its overall budget is currently better spent on the team."

But the big question was all about whether Newcastle is still for sale or not .

The board said: "The club remains for sale.

"The club has a very clear and reasonable process for individuals or groups who express an interest in purchasing the club. There has not been a lot of serious interest and a sale is not close as it stands.

"The owner wants a fair price and has been open to the dating of payments to achieve a sale.

"In addition the buyer must be someone, or a group, that can take the football club forward and support it financially better than he can.

"It is important to disclose that there have been groups who have expressed an initial interest, but who have been discouraged with proceeding due to the visibility and scrutiny that comes with the football club."