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Rafael Benitez still hasn’t extended his contract with Newcastle United, much to the worry of many of the club’s supporters.

With his current deal expiring at the end of the season there’s now an increased focus on sealing his future and keeping him in Newcastle.

Recently there have been claims about a possible move to French football should no agreement be found, but it seems clear that Benitez’s priority is to stay, as long as he feels he’ll get the backing to take his team forward.

It’s the manager’s 59th birthday today and he’s been speaking to Radio Marca about various things, including his future at the Premier League club.

Benitez once again spoke about asking his club a series of questions: ‘I am in contact with the club and I am waiting for answers to questions I have proposed to continue. My family is in England, here I am content but a series of conditions have to be met “

He added: “To stay, we need to sit down, talk well about the economic possibilities of the club and what direction we’re going in. We have to mix experience and youth, that is the balance we have to achieve.

“English teams have a lot of economic potential and attract the best players. That’s good for big Premier League teams but it’s a drawback for teams like ours.”

The Newcastle United manager then backed his former club Liverpool to win the Premier League and Champions League, believing they have the level to achieve both of those aims this season.

On Real Madrid, he insinuated he knew the Frenchman was going to return to his previous job before it became a big story.