Newcastle United are hopeful that Rafael Benitez will continue as manager of the club even if they suffer relegation into the Championship, according to reports from the Daily Telegraph.

Benitez has brought out tangible improvements at Newcastle since his arrival but many feel that the Magpies will not be able to survive the drop this season as the damage had already been done before the Spaniard was appointed.

It is believed that Benitez has a get-out clause present on his contract if Newcastle do suffer relegation but the club hierarchy are desperate to hold on to the 56-year-old and are said to be pleading with him to stay put at St. James' Park beyond the end of the current campaign.