TYNE RUNNING OUT, RAFA

FROM FRONT PAGE few takers for the Tyneside club at £300million.

Benitez said: “We’re a little bit under pressure because the time is short now.” The Spaniard had struck a bullish note ahead of the Brighton match, insisting he would not be sacked and that he would keep the Magpies up. But he was much more pessimistic after the defeat by Chris Hughton’s side, adding: “Everybody is a bit down. We lost a game we deserved to win but we have to keep going.”

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles insists Benitez is not to blame for the slump. He said: “I don’t think anyone in the stadium can question the manager.”