Newcastle urge Rafa to stay

Rafael Benitez has held ‘productive’ initial talks with the Newcastle board as they attempt to persuade him he is the man to lead the club back into the Premier League.

Less than 24 hours after the Magpies were condemned to life in the Championship by derby rivals Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Everton, Benitez sat down with managing director Lee Charnley at the club’s Darsley Park training head quarters.

Sources on Tyneside have revealed the tone of the discussions was positive, although there is a long way to go before fans discover whether or not the man they want to remain at the helm will do so.