Mike Ashley has pushed back contract talks with manager Rafa Benitez.

Newcastle are in a better position in recent weeks, having climbed to 14th position in the table.

But Ashley and Benitez will not meet imminently on talks for a new contract.

Per the Chronicle Live, both Ashley and Benitez feel it is not the moment to discuss a new deal, as the focus is on improving the team.

A more likely time for talks is the end of January, when Benitez gets a chance to see how well he is backed in the transfer window.