Newcastle United chiefs are ready to deal in manager Rafa Benitez.

The Evening Chronicle says chiefs have told Benitez they are prepared to tie up his extension deal as soon as he is ready.

Benitez knows the ball is in his court as far as his future at the club is concerned.

But United would like an answer from Benitez as quickly as possible as they are growing concerned about new names being linked with the managerial hotseat - with agents of potential candidates thriving on the chance to push their clients forward for the post.