Newcastle United have held initial talks with Rafa Benitez regarding his role as manager at the club.
Sky Sports suggests that managing director Lee Charnley spoke with the Spaniard earlier on Thursday in a bid to urge him to remain at St James' Park.
Newcastle's relegation fate was sealed on Wednesday night even Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland beat Everton 3-0 but still the Magpies are hoping to land Benitez who took over from Steve McClaren in March.
A Toon supporters group have pleaded with former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Benitez to stay in the north east.
"Message to Rafa Benitez - whilst we fully accept that the short term prospect of life in the Championship may not be as appealing as other offers that you may be presented with, we can certainly promise you that the potential rewards of the longer term would exceed any position that you consider," read a statement.
Benitez signed a three-year deal two months ago but has a release clause inserted pertaining to Newcastle's top flight status.