Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has held face-to-face talks with manager Rafa Benitez.

The Mirror says Ashley was holding a face to face meal with Benitez and his squad tonight.

The pair arrived at an Italian restaurant last in Ponteland, Northumberland for a bonding knees up.

In an olive branch to Benitez, Ashley will deliver a rally cry to his stars who are in relegation trouble.

Newcastle's squad arrived at the eatery from 6.45pm in time to order from the £5.95 happy hour menu if they wished

A smiling Benitez and the rest of the squad turned up after 7pm relishing the chance to hear from the controversial Sports Direct owner.