Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has put on hold new contract talks.

The Mirror says the Spaniard postponed discussions on a new long term deal at St James' Park, determined to keep the focus on United's relegation battle.

Benitez current contract ends in June, and he will come under pressure to make a quick decision about his future once Newcastle's Premier League fate is decided this season.

The club want to plan for next season, and Celtic's Brendan Rodgers and David Wagner have been touted as potential successors.

Leicester City will consider Benitez this summer with Claude Puel's tenure uncertain.