Newcastle United fullback DeAndre Yedlin says it's critical they keep hold of manager Rafa Benitez.

Benitez's Newcastle contract expires at the of the season and he has yet to declare whether he intends to extend his three-year stay on Tyneside.

"I think it's very important [for the club to secure Benitez's future]," Yedlin told Sky Sports News at a primary school event in conjunction with the Newcastle Foundation.

"I think everyone has seen how he has brought the city together.

"Even though we may not have started the season the best, we've ended very well, so I think it's very important. As we all know all the fans love him, the players love him and it would be great if he stayed."