Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is happy to keep his distance regarding takeover talk.

Benitez insists he has little influence on the sale plans of owner Mike Ashley.

He said, " We understand because I am someone with some experience. The best way to manage this situation is to concentrate on what depends on you. For us, it is just to prepare the games, give the right training sessions and give the proper instructions to our players to make sure we are ready for the next game.

"People talking about the takeover doesn't mean anything to us. We just have to stay calm and do what we can do now and prepare the game properly.

"Obviously, (if the club was taken over) I wouldn't have to talk about it and I could concentrate on football but this is the way now.

"I understand you have to ask the questions and I understand I have to give the right answers but at the same time, my priority is focusing on the games.

"I can't control the situation with the takeover."