Rafael Benitez 'close to agreeing Newcastle United stay'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez on March 20, 2016
© Getty Images
Rafael Benitez is reportedly close to agreeing a deal that will keep him at Newcastle United following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Rafael Benitez is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Newcastle United about staying on as manager.

The Spaniard had a break clause in the three-year contract that he signed in March, allowing him to leave St James' Park if the club were relegated to the Championship.

Benitez failed to keep the North-East outfit in the Premier League as they were relegated alongside Aston Villa and Norwich City.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Newcastle are hopeful that they will reach a deal with Benitez following positive talks, which included owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley.

The report adds that chief scout Graham Carr is likely to leave the club after Benitez was promised full control over transfers.

Benitez has previously coached Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.

Steve McClaren manager of Newcastle United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 22, 2015
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