Rafa Benitez could be axed if Newcastle United are sold.

The Mirror says billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Abu Dhabi-based group have their own managerial targets, with Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger at the top of the list.

Current owner Mike Ashley has put further talks with boss Benitez over a new contract on hold while discussions about selling the Premier League club to Sheikh Khaled take place.

Benitez's deal expires at the end of this month.

Takeover talks have placed Benitez's future on the back burner.

And when it was put to Sheikh Khaled's representatives a swift deal was needed to help sort out Benitez's future, the reply came that there were other options.