Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez admits he's pushing the club to make the changes he's suggested.

Benitez needs to see action first to convince him his job is a long-term prospect and admitted this week he has to sell to buy, is wheeling and dealing, and “not 100 per cent happy".

He said: “I would say my contract is not an issue. I am doing my best and a lot of managers, they finish a contract and still the clubs are investing and trying to improve the squad.

“I told Mike and Lee Charnley (MD) and Justin (Barnes, Ashley's lawyer). They know that if we do the right things then I am keen to stay here for five years or whatever.

“There is a way to do things and we have to be sure that we do that.

“Do things in the way that for me, as a football professional who has been years there, is the right way.

“If you want to sign an extension and a lot of years, the main thing and the first one has to be the academy for example.

"Then all these things, you have everything in place – I am really pleased with the fans, the city, the atmosphere at the games, the staff are professionals, everyone.

“We have all the potential to grow and to be a top side, a proper top side. I don't think my contract should be an issue."