Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez offered a downbeat assessment of his contract situation after defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

Owner Mike Ashley was not at St James' Park for the narrow defeat but managing director Lee Charnley was in the stands as usual.

When asked after the game, Benitez said to Sky Sports: "There's been negotiations.

"We are not that close."

Benitez then made his way to the main Press conference and was asked once more if there had been any progress on discussions with Ashley or Charnley.

He replied: "No, the same situation as yesterday."