Tough-talking Rafa calls Toon

NEWCASTLE have opened contract talks with Rafa Benitez.

Although the Spaniard has not spoken to owner Mike Ashley, his representatives have met managing director Lee Charnley.

Benitez, 58, who joined Newcastle two years ago, is out of contract at the end of next season but is keen to extend his stay.

After leading the Toon to promotion last season, he has secured their Premier League status. Newcastle are in the top half of the table.

Benitez will drive a hard bargain with Charnley. Only last week he dropped a hint of what he expects in return for committing his long-term future when saying he could not deliver miracles every season.

“We have had conversations and we’ll have conversations next week,” he said. “My representatives have talked with Lee Charnley and that’s it.” Asked what those talks were about, Benitez said: “About everything.”

They meet a West Brom side who look doomed to relegation but who have Daniel Sturridge finally fit.

Yet caretaker manager Darren Moore is struggling to accommodate the £120,000-a-week on-loan star. Moore, who has not lost any of his three matches in charge, said: “Daniel is fit to start, should the manager decide to start him! He’s looked very good in training but it is a team thing.

“I have experienced the beauty of seeing him in training and he looks good. But as good as some players are, everyone knows we’re a team.”

West Brom will be relegated if they fail to win and even if they do win, they would still go down should Swansea beat Chelsea in the early evening match. BENITEZ: Hint