Rafa reckons Magpies can

Rafa Benitez insists new ownership can restore Newcastle United as a top-six Premier League club – and a European force.

The Magpies face Wolves at St James’ Park this afternoon with the Toon Army on tenterhooks after owner Mike Ashley’s admission that he hopes to have the club sold before the January transfer window opens.

In a TV interview, the sports retail magnate said talks“are at a more progressed stage than they have ever been’’ amid repor ts that for mer Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon is fronting a bid to end unpopular Ashley’s 11-year Tyneside tenure.

It is understood Kenyon has formed a consortium with US financiers Rockefeller Capital Management in his takeover attempt.

But doubts have been cast on whether Kenyon can secure the funds to meet the £ 300- million- plus asking price, while there are suggestions that three rival parties are interested in taking the club off Ashley’s hands.

Fo l l ow i n g the largely i g n o re d 11th- minute “walk- in’’ – signifying the length of Ashley’s reign – during last Saturday’s 3-0 home defeat by West Ham, The Magpie Group fans’ coalition have called off a boycott of today’s game after manager Benitez pleaded with supporters to stick with the team.

Fans have been encouraged by Ashley’s revelation, and Benitez – aware that Newcastle played in the Champions League group stages under Kenny Dalglish in 1997- 98 and Sir Bobby Robson in