Newcastle United 'increasingly likely' to lose Rafael Benitez

Rafael Benitez is reportedly edging towards quitting Newcastle United at the end of the season as talks over a new deal continue to splutter.

The fan favourite is out of contract in the summer and is believed to have already received offers from numerous foreign clubs, including Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.

United have been trying to persuade the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss to sign an extension since January, but the Newcastle Chronicle claims that a number of stumbling blocks still remain.

Benitez has supposedly urged the club to upgrade the training ground and academy setup, while also holding reservations over his lack of financial support in the transfer market.

The report suggests that the risk of Newcastle losing the 58-year-old is increasing, and a bad January window could prove to be the final straw.