Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is eager to secure manager Rafa Benitez to a new deal.

After breaking their transfer record with a £21m deal for Atlanta attacker Miguel Almiron, Ashley wants to see that commitment recipricated by the manager.

Benitez's contract expires in the summer and he has so far stalled on the offer of a five-year deal and, more recently, a 12-month extension.

The Daily Mail says one option now being explored is a three-year offer with the promise of trying to build the club.

Crucially, Benitez wants guarantees over investment in the playing squad and improvements made to the training ground.

Ashley is planning for the future on the assumption he will remain as owner after takeover talks collapsed. It is said any party who now emerges with interest must provide proof of their financial means immediately. The club has not been taken off the market.