‘The potential of the club is massive’

NEWCASTLE United boss Rafa Benitez admits that the potential for anybody eyeing a takeover on Tyneside is there for all to see.

But the Spaniard insists he can’t look beyond this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace.

Benitez arrived at the club in March 2016 just weeks after leaving global giants Real Madrid and shocked the football world by taking on a team heading for the Championship.

Despite relegation he then stayed at St James’ Park and was prepared to work in the Championship.

With takeover talk swirling around the city, Benitez feels that the potential at Newcastle is big for any possible new owner.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, he said: “If I decided to stay it is because the potential of the club, the fans, the city, it is massive.

“If we do well (on the pitch) it will be easier. You can attract people for the potential but if you are doing well it is even easier.”

Yet Benitez did not want to expand on his comments when asked about a new regime taking over from Mike Ashley.

He said: “The next game is always the most important, I’m sorry about that but that’s my speech. It is what I have to do.

“Obviously I have an opinion and have some information and ideas. But what I have to do is think about what my players have to do in the game. The fans will be excited.

“I know everything about the history and the comments. But it won’t change my opinion about what will happen. My influence has to be on the game and the players.”