Newcastle United are hopeful they can secure Rafa Benitez to a new deal.

With the Premier League season concluded, there is still no word on a new contract agreement with the Spanish boss.

However, Chronicle Live reports that Magpies players are hopeful that a deal will be struck sooner than later.

When Benitez said goodbye to the players, he reportedly did so in a positive manner, indicating he would see them for pre-season.

The boss is known to have concerns about how much money he will have to spend in the summer.

Benitez does not want a third season of fighting against relegation, as he would prefer the team to push up the table.