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Lee Ryder

Rafa Benitez reveals 'positive' talks with Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley

Rafa Benitez says that he has held "positive" talks about his future with managing director Lee Charnley.

But while Benitez insists things have progressed slightly, he stopped short of suggesting a possible date for a breakthrough on his contract extension.

Benitez is preparing for Newcastle United vs Liverpool: An oversubscribed Press box, all tickets sold and eyes of the football world on St James' Park and is determined to sign off this term's home campaign with a win.

But resulted in some of the most positive vibes on his future all season.

When asked about his future, Benitez: "I was talking to Lee Charnley.

"We have had another talk and we will let you know."

When asked if those talks had been positive, he said: "Yeah".

Benitez was then asked if the crowd's pleas for him to stay will make a difference.

He said: "I know the fans are supporting me and are trying to go the emotional way as they did in my first way.

"I am very happy with that."

Sign our petition to show the strength of feeling that Rafa must STAY

Benitez says that there has been some progress this week, he went on: "I can say that 'yes' it seems that things are moving forward a little bit, and we will see where we get to in the end.

"We will let you know if we have any more progress."

And Benitez could no determine whether the breakthrough would come before the end of the season.

He said: "Maybe not, we have time.

"I know that's not ideal. We have some time to find a solution."

Looking ahead to the big clash with Liverpool at St James' he said there could not be any room for favours.

He said: "I am sure if Jurgen Klopp was in the same position he would do the same.

"We are professionals and playing in front of fans in our stadium.

"We must do our best.

"I have friends in the Liverpool camp and also the Man City camp.

"I have a good relationship with Guardiola and Klopp.

"I didn't want to talk to anybody this week from either camp."

Newcastle United vs Liverpool: An oversubscribed Press box, all tickets sold and eyes of the football world on St James' Park

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