Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is putting off new contract talks.

Benitez insists he cannot allow his contract stand-off with Newcastle to overshadow his bid to pull off another “miracle".

He said: “I would like the contract issue to be parked, because it does not change anything.

“I know I will be asked about it, but for me it isn't a big thing. It is the same for the fans and the players. They are just thinking about the games.

“Can I change something now? No. So I have to concentrate on those things I can influence, like the players and the preparations for the game.

“As a manager, what do I want to do? I want to win every single game, if I can. Can I change my squad between now and January? No. So I can't change anything in terms of my approach to games. I have to give everything to make sure we can compete. That's it."