Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle job is safe despite losing eight of last nine Premier League games
Magpies are in the relegation zone after picking up just one point since end of October
RAFAEL BENITEZ will remain in charge of Newcastle United despite his team picking up just one point in the last nine matches.
The Magpies have slipped into the relegation zone having lost eight of their last nine.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager remains a key part of any potential takeover of the club.
Amanda Stavely is leading a group that is closing in on a takeover of the club from Mike Ashley.
Benitez is wanted by the new ownership group as he is a world-renowned coach who raises the profile of the club and adds millions to its value.
The group is closing in on a deal to buy the club from Ashley for around £300million.
The Toon haven't won a game since beating Crystal Palace on October 21 and now sit just three points above bottom club Swansea City.
If the takeover goes through before the January window, Benitez can expect to get up to £40m to spend on new players.
Chelsea exile David Luiz remains the club's top target on a short-term loan deal.
However, Newcastle will face competition from Arsenal, and will struggle to pay the Brazilian's full wages.
Liverpool striker Danny Ings and Leicester striker Islam Slimani have also been linked with moves to St James' Park.