Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has warned club owner Mike Ashley he must spend in January to protect his takeover plans.

Ashley and financier Amanda Staveley met for the first time in London this week to discuss her bid to buy the club.

"At any football club in the world, the value depends on the first team," said the Spaniard.

"You can talk about everything around (the club) and that's fine, but if you are in the Premier League and doing well it is easier (to sell).

"If you are in the Championship it has less value. That is so simple. I think he (Ashley) is a businessman. A businessman will have a clear idea about what he needs to do.

"It is very simple. You have to be sure that your team is strong enough to stay in the Premier League."