Stay or go? Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle future is close to being decided

Rafael Benitez is set to walk away from Newcastle when his contract expires next week.

The Daily Mail report that the Spaniard has so far failed to agree a new deal at St James' Park.

Benitez and owner Mike Ashley have yet to solve a number of issues between them, including the club's approach in the transfer market.

And despite his popularity with supporters, Benitez is prepared to bring his three-year association with the Magpies to an end.

It would take a dramatic turnaround to resolve the situation, with no talks planned for the coming days.

Benitez has received a lucrative offer from Chinese outfit Dalian Yifang but would prefer to stay in the European game.

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Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).