Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley is planning new contract talks with manager Rafa Benitez.
The Times says Benitez's deal expires at the end of next season but the Magpies want to tie him down long-term.
Ashley wants to sell the club and knows the guarantee of the prestigious former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss coming with it will keep it closer to the £230million asking price.
Toon have exceeded expectations upon their Premier League return by taking nine points out of a possible 18 under the Spaniard.
Benitez has been earmarked to replace Slaven Bilic at West Ham – and made clear his frustrations at Newcastle after their failure to bring in a number of his top summer targets.
His decision whether to extend his stay on Tyneside will depend upon the assurances Ashley gives him when they meet.