Rafa Benitez in Newcastle ultimatum with contract running out

The Magpies boss has been unable to resolve his contract situation at the club with only two months left on his current deal.

Rafa Benitez has urged that his side, Newcastle United must challenge the top six clubs in the Premier League in the transfer market, but remains unsure about his future at St. James Park.

The Spanish tactician has been influential in Newcastle's rejuvenation and after gaining promotion the Magpies have given a great account of themselves in the Premier League. Benitez earlier hinted at staying with the Magpies after guiding them to safety this season, as they are currently in 12th position, with three games left in the league.

Things have certainly not been easy for the former Liverpool boss, as there have been clashes between the fans and the club hierarchy. Also, a cloud over the club's ownership and a negative net spend did not help him in his cause.

Right after Newcastle's 3-1 win over Southampton Benitez spoke to Sky Sports about his future and the club transfer policiy.

"Any time, we have to talk because at the end everything that will happen on June 30 has to be good for everyone. Until then I have to decide if we sign anyone, so we have to talk any time," he said speaking about his future plans.

"Our level, I think, has to be between seventh and 10th and we have to compete with these teams in the transfer window, in the wage bill and everything. We need to find a balance.

We signed (Martin) Dubravka last year and he won the first game against Manchester United, and he's more than 24. We have (Miguel) Almiron doing well and we have (Salomon) Rondon, who are more than 24 and doing well.

At the same time, we have (Isaac) Hayden, (Jamaal) Lascelles, or even (Sean) Longstaff, so the balance is the key," Benitez explained the importance of finding the right balance between youth and experience in his side.

Having nearly secured safety, it was another good day at the office for the Magpies as they notched up their sixth home win of 2019, a feat which only Manchester City and Arsenal have achieved till now.

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With a top half finish on the cards, Benitez wants his side to give their best in the last three matches and end the season on a high.

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He said, "To have at this stage of the season 41 points, nearly safe - mathematically we cannot say that we are safe, but nearly safe - is really important,. Now, we have three games and we have to try to do our best to be as high as possible in the table."

Newcastle will face Brighton and Hove Albion in their next Premier League fixture followed by Liverpool and Fulham to draw the curtains on their season.