Newcastle United winger Christian Atsu says the players are eager to hear that Rafa Benitez has agreed a new deal.

Atsu has called on the club to do everything to keep him in the long-term.

He told the Mirror: “Rafa is more than a manager to us, the way he helps us even outside football, because he believes there is more to a footballer than just going on the pitch to deliver.

“Obviously it's hard for me to speak for everyone in the locker room but I can say we are all very happy with him and his coaching staff."

“It's clear the players want him to stay and it's not just the playing body - you go into the kitchen for lunch and the way he relates to the kitchen staff and their response to him - it is so clear that everyone, even the fans, want him to remain here for a long time."