Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez sends FIVE-WORD message to Mike Ashley over Magpies future

Benitez’s future at St. James’ Park is up in the air as his contract expires at the end of the season.

Newcastle fans are keen for the Spaniard to remain on Tyneside, though numerous incidents this season have suggested he could walk away from the club.

Benitez himself is eager to continue his work with The Magpies and has urged club chiefs to make their intentions known.

He said: “The ball is in their court.”

Benitez’s representatives have held talks with Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley but have yet to reach an agreement with the club.

The former Real Madrid boss has no intention of fielding offers from other teams until he receives a definitive answer from his current employers, adding: “The only club I’m talking about my future now is Newcastle United and I’m waiting for an answer.”

It’s understood Benitez wants several reassurances before committing his future to Newcastle, the biggest one being a guarantee he has sole control over the comings and goings at the club.

On his agent’s meeting with Charnley, Benitez said: “They were coming with something and we were coming with something.

“It was Lee Charnley with my people. I will not give more detail. You have the clarification and the ball is in their court.

“We were talking and now we are waiting.”

Newcastle will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Crystal Palace to St. James’ Park.

A win over the Eagles will see the northeast side take a giant step towards securing their place in the Premier League next season.