Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is convinced by the potential of the club.

The Magpies' manager knows the current takeover talk has “excited" fans, and reckons he leads “one of the top sides in England".

Asked whether Newcastle could be boosted by a takeover to end the unpopular Mike Ashley's ownership, boss Benitez said: “It's one of the top sides in England if you put everything together.

“The question is, is it reaching its level? Obviously, no. Can we do it? I think so.

“We have to do everything right. It's not just if you have money, you have to have the right players with the right mentality coming here.

Asked what Newcastle's level could be with investment and ambition, the La Liga, Europa League and European Cup winner said: “A higher level than we are at the moment.

“I think we can do better. This club has to be in the top 10. You can see the potential is there. It's just to do the right things."