Benitez could stay at Newcastle after 'positive' talks

Newcastle United gaffer Rafa Benitez could stay with the Tynesiders following "positive" discussions about the future of the Championship-bound Magpies.

A second relegation in seven years has destined Newcastle for a return to the second-flight, something that was in the cards when Benitez signed a three-year deal with the club in March. Benitez reportedly had a clause inserted in his contract that gave the Madrid-born boss permission to leave if the club was relegated.

On the topic of staying with the club despite the drop, the former Liverpool manager offered, "If I'm here and discussing it, it's because there is a chance, we have to keep talking.

"It could take a couple of weeks maximum."

Despite a decent run-in that saw the club snatch 10 points from its final eight matches, Benitez could not save the Magpies from the 19th-place spot it held when he replaced Steve McClaren.

Even with the prospects of a season in the second tier, Benitez appears open minded concerning his future with the club.

"We will have more meetings. The things that have been said have been positive and we will continue to have meetings.

Matters were made worse when Newcastle was relegated by virtue of a positive result for hated northern rival Sunderland, prompting Benitez's empathy with the plight of supporters.

"I want the same as the fans - a successful team, a strong team and to get promoted to the Premier League as soon as possible."