It is hardly a secret that Newcastle's owner Mike Ashley wants to sell the club to an owner who can invest more money into the first team.

However, the deal is not getting done, and it appears the chance of Newcastle getting relegated is one of the problems.

The company involved is PCP Capital Partners, owned by Amanda Staveley. However, the company is looking for a compensation clause if Newcastle were to end up back in the Championship at the end of the season.

The clause would mean that if Rafael Benitez cannot keep Newcastle in the league by May, current owner Ashley would have to pay the new owners a set sum of money. It is unclear whether he would ever agree to such a move.

The backdrop is not ideal for Benitez as he looks to prepare his team for the coming Premier League games. Newcastle are winless since October 21, and are now three points away from the bottom of the table.