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As Newcastle United head into a crucial relegation six-pointer this weekend, there are further hints that Rafa Benitez may be looking to the long-term at St James’ Park.

Benitez is heading up United’s survival bid – a campaign that is beginning to look like mission impossible given back-to-back defeats – and has consistently talked of concentrating on nothing more than the next few weeks.

But with a potential break clause in his three-year deal, it’s inevitable that supporters fretting for the future and a potential Championship campaign next year question whether he will remain.

Benitez would look for reassurances and Newcastle would have to re-calibrate their expectations, budget and plans in the Championship but off the field, Benitez continues to make moves that give the impression that he could be in it for the long haul.

It is understood that Benitez has recently been in contact with his former advisor at Liverpool, Owen Brown, who was sent on scouting missions by the Reds boss when he was at Anfield.

Brown was a close confidante when Benitez was at Liverpool, having worked in several roles at Anfield – including as a player liaison officer and part of the scouting network at various points. He also managed Barrow and Vauxhall Motors – and while he didn’t join Benitez while he was managing in Italy and Spain, he remained close to the Spaniard.

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Benitez has talked of working with Graham Carr in the future but he has his own ideas about recruitment and a refreshed scouting network would be part of his wider plans for the club.

The United boss making those connections would suggest that Benitez is looking to the future, as does a pencilled-in date to meet some of the local football associations in the coming days.

Last week he responded to speculation about the Spain job by re-asserting his commitment to Newcastle. “I am Newcastle United manager and want to be here next year. I want to be here a while,” he said before the Southampton game.

A review of the club’s disastrous season is planned in the summer but there’s an air of uncertainty around St James’ Park. Were Benitez to remain, fans would no doubt view the future with more optimism.