Rafa Benítez has revealed he knew Amanda Staveley’s bid for Newcastle United had failed three weeks ago, following a meeting with owner Mike Ashley, in which he was promised new signings would be made this month.

Benítez gave a surprisingly upbeat response when asked about the outcome of that meeting, although tellingly, he once again evaded questions about his long-term future at St James’ Park if Ashley remained in charge.

Staveley has been told she needs to return with a bid of £300 million, without any clauses, to persuade Ashley she is serious about wanting to buy the club, after he effectively called off talks this week, saying an attempt to reach an agreement with her had been a “waste of time.”

Benítez has been aware of that stance for several weeks and is more concerned about making sure Ashley sanctions the spending needed to improve his squad to help guard against the growing threat of relegation.

“Mike Ashley told me the takeover [with PCP] would not go through, that was two-three weeks ago,” said Benítez, ahead of today’s trip to Manchester City. “But he told me we would work together to try and get players in the transfer window. We have targets and we are trying to progress.