DeAndre Yedlin urges Newcastle to keep Rafa Benitez

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Rafa Benitez is in talks with the Newcastle board over extending his current deal.

Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin has told the Guardian that The Toon must keep manager Rafa Benitez ad talks over the manager’s contract between the Spaniard and the board continue.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez has guided the Magpies to safety in the Premier League, with Newcastle sitting pretty in tenth place with two league games still to play.

However, Benitez is yet to be given a new deal as the Spanish boss wants assurances over his transfer budget ahead of the summer window and indeed future investment in the side for as long as he is in charge.

Yedlin, 24, is one a of a number of players to thrive under the stewardship of Benitez and has urged owner Mike Ashley to convince Benitez to stay at St. James’ Park, with contract talks well under way.

“The discussions between the manager and the club are massive,” Yedlin said. “He’s a great manager. He’s loved by the city and the club. “He’s put so much faith and trust in me, he’s taught me a lot.

“This city and this club need to keep Rafa – and for a long time. There’s a sense of unity under him. The reason I joined Newcastle was because I could see we could do great things. If Rafa stays, I think we can achieve a lot.”

The Chronicle reported in August 2016, months after the club had lured Benitez to Tyneside, that he was earning £4.2million a year – or around £80,000 a week.

Benitez has just one more year remaining on his current contract at Newcastle, but fans will be desperate to see the manager remain in the north east beyond the end of his deal.