Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is non-plussed by promises of a £100m transfer kitty this summer.

With manager Benitez now just three games from his current deal expiring, Magpies top brass have tabled the proposal that increases the amount of money he has to spend.

But Benitez said: “When you talk about quality, how much does it cost? And how much will you pay in wages for these quality players? £120,000 a week? £150,000? Or will you pay £50,000?

“You have to be realistic but we have to find this balance. We have to compete with the teams that are between seventh and tenth, not think 'Can we finish seventh or can we finish 17th?"

With the clock ticking, Benitez is seeking further talks with the hierarchy this week having made it clear that managing director Lee Charnley's comments last week did not alter his stance.

He added: “I don't care about what we say, the main thing is what we do . Everything is about money. I have not had any answers. If I have the answers, then I can decide."