Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Newcastle United will fly to Spain next week for warm-weather training and a friendly against foreign opposition.

The Magpies, who sit two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, are making use of their three-week gap between fixtures by travelling to sunnier climes in Costa Blanca.

Newcastle boss Benitez has previously been reluctant to travel abroad during the campaign, but feels that a 21-day wait between home league games against Southampton and Huddersfield Town has made his decision easier.

"We have been thinking about going to find some sun because 21 days is too many days without football," he told reporters on Friday. "We will go for four days to Spain.

"It's not too long, no parties or anything and total focus. We will play a competitive game next week and then we come back."

The Newcastle Chronicle reports that Belgian club Royal Antwerp have been lined up as possible opponents during the short trip away.