It's not dependant on me. I'm waiting - Benitez on new contract at Newcastle

Negotiations have stalled due to the board and the man-in-charge at St James' Park having differing visions of the club's future.

Benitez's contract officially expires on June 30 and the Magpies' travelling support at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday made it clear they wanted the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss to stay.

After the 1-1 draw with the Seagulls, the Spaniard revealed that he wasn't sure how long he would wait to sign a new contract but said he was still in contact with key members of the club's hierarchy regarding the deal.

Benitez said: "In the end you want to do things as soon as possible to make sure that you can start working but we will see.

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"I saw Lee (Charnley, managing director at Newcastle) this morning and I said hello. We talk every week. It's not an issue.

"But it's not dependant on me. I'm waiting.

"I don't know (how long I'll wait), it depends. What we want to do in the future is key.

"You have different ambitions and we have to find a point in between with that.

"If not we have to talk and try to move forward as soon as possible."

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