Report: Newcastle United put talks with Rafael Benitez on hold

Newcastle United chiefs will reportedly not discuss terms with Rafael Benitez over a new deal until they know which division they will be competing in next season.

The popular Spanish boss, currently fighting to keep the Magpies in the Premier League, is due to be out of contract at St James' Park at the end of the 2018-19 campaign.

Benitez is said to earn £6m a year and provisional talks began in January over extending those terms, but The Independent reports that both parties have agreed to wait until the summer before reopening discussions.

Despite being left frustrated by a lack of transfer activity during his two years at the helm, the report claims that Benitez has offered no indication that he wants to leave.

Newcastle find themselves 13th in the Premier League, five points above the dropzone with eight matches left to play.