Rafa Benitez wants to be installed as Newcastle manager by the end of Friday and begin work with the players ahead of Monday’s trip to Leicester.

Talks between the Spaniard’s representatives and managing director Lee Charnley are at an advanced stage and a £4million-per-year three-year deal – with a break clause should the Magpies be relegated – has been agreed in principle.

Benitez, however, had expected Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren to be sacked yesterday, freeing the way for his move to St James’ Park to be finalised.

Rafa Benitez wants to be installed as Newcastle manager by the end of Friday to get started with the players

Steve McClaren receives a pat on the back from security guard Graeme Crombie as he leaves the training

McClaren took training with the players in preparation for their game against Leicester on Monday

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That did not happen – even though McClaren is expecting the axe – and it has delayed Benitez’s arrival by at least 24 hours.

The former Real Madrid boss is ready to leave his home in the Wirral and travel to the North-East to take up the role, once final details such as backroom staff have been agreed.

Newcastle are desperate to land the 55-year-old and they have been encouraged by a positive reaction to the news among supporters, who are growing increasingly exasperated at the club’s failure to fire dead-man walking McClaren.

Jonjo Shelvey, who had been appointed captain in recent weeks, believes the players have let down their outgoing boss.

‘He (McClaren) is at the forefront of it, which he doesn’t deserve,’ he said.

‘I think the players have let the club down. I don’t feel as though the manager has. I feel it’s the players.

‘I feel like I’ve let the club down because I’ve had the captain’s armband twice and we’ve lost. It’s lovely to be made captain. ‘The manager has shown a lot of faith in me to do that. I obviously adore him for that. It’s just a shame I have not been able to pick up the wins.’

Benitez (right) is set to take over at St James' Park with Steve McClaren (left) due to be sacked by the club