Newcastle United are close to announcing that captain Jamaal Lascelles has agreed a new-five year contract as Rafa Benitez gives the clearest indication since the close of the transfer window, that he is still planning for the long term as manager.

With Benitez looking more settled on Tyneside after the tension regarding his summer recruitment budget raised questions about his happiness, the new contract for Lascelles is timely evidence that he is still working under the assumption he will remain in charge for the foreseeable future.

Lascalles was made captain by Benitez after relegation to the Championship in 2016 and although there have been accusations, at times, that the centre-back is a better leader than defender, Benitez has always believed he could turn him into an international player.

That remains some way off, but Lascelles has started the season – only his second in the Premier League – in impressive fashion and is keen to learn as much as he can from the Spaniard.

The 23-year-old still had three years to run on his current contract, but Newcastle have been in talks over an extension for several weeks and are confident he will sign in the next few days.