Report: Benitez close to committing future to Newcastle

Despite relegation to the Championship coupled with a clause in his contract that offers an exit after the drop to the second tier, Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is poised to defy convention and stay with the Tynesiders next season.

The Madrid-born gaffer's decision to stay will come at a cost for Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who is slated to hand full autonomy on all decisions to Benitez after a two-hour discussion Sunday night, according to the Guardian's Louise Taylor.

Benitez made a positive impact for the Magpies after replacing Steve McClaren in March, but it was a case of too little, too late for the club who was relegated for the second time in eight years.

Not known as an owner that's conducive to change, Ashley appears set to pull out all the stops to keep the fan favourite at St. James' Park for the club's return to the second tier.