Newcastle United chiefs will reportedly plead with Rafael Benitez to remain on as manager beyond the end of the season, regardless of their Premier League status.

The Magpies have given their hopes of survival a real boost in recent days by taking four points from a possible six in games against Swansea City and Manchester City.

Benitez was appointed as Newcastle manager last month on a three-year deal, but a clause in the Spaniard's contract allows him to leave should he fail to save the club from the drop this term.

It is understood that the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea boss fully intends to leave should United drop down to the Championship but, according to The Telegraph, Newcastle are determined to keep him in place and will offer a series of promises to stop him quitting.

Benitez will be given full control over recruitment, it is claimed, while also being allowed to keep hold of any key players he sees as important to the North-East outfit's promotion push next season.

Newcastle, who travel to Liverpool in their next outing, are currently two points from safety with four games of the campaign left to play.