Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez again cast doubt on his future after their 3-1 defeat of Southampton.

Benitez was asked afterwards if he was closer to signing a new deal.

“My plan is to give some days off and then after we plan for the next game against Brighton," he replied.

“Today is just enjoy and in the week we will see, but my focus is what I have to do with the players and we have to be competing until the end. In an ideal world I want to compete for something, that is the main thing."

Asked if he wantd more control of transfers, the Spaniard concluded: “I don't have any problem with that. From the beginning I can see the potential from the club - I can see what the fans are watching every single day, a full stadium (and) a city behind the team. Now you see our position in terms of where it is with transfers fees. We are not competing and we have compete."