NEWCASTLE: Rafa Benitez knows fans are 'excited' but he is focused on Palace not takeover

The Magpies face Crystal Palace tomorrow at St James’ Park when the majority of the supporters will head to the game satisfied with the news that owner Mike Ashley has put the club up for sale.

It is known Amanda Staveley has signed a non-disclosure agreement and entered a process of due diligence ahead of a potential takeover, with Ashley looking to conclude a deal before Christmas.

Staveley represents PCP Partners, who are understood to be worth £29bn, and Ashley’s lawyer Andrew Henderson has stated that she is not alone in the battle for control.

Benitez does not want his players to think about the change of ownership and is focused on tomorrow’s game with Palace.

“It doesn’t affect me in any way. I was talking with Lee Charnley and he told me everyone was talking about that, he doesn’t have much news,” said Benitez.

“I don’t have much interest in what happens in the next two or three months, I am just focused on what we can do against Crystal Palace. There’s nothing I can do at the moment.

“If it is good or bad that doesn’t change my approach for the game. I will do my best to get what I want from Crystal Palace.

"We are talking about football concentrating on that, we prepare for the set pieces and the tactics, we can influence that and that’s it.

“You have to understand my position is very simple, clear. I am the manager I try to concentrate on football. I obviously have some ideas but what I have to do is make sure my players do what they have to do tomorrow.

“I know the fans will be excited. I know everything about the history, the comments, that doesn’t change my opinion. My concentration has to be on the players and the preparation.”

Benitez revealed that striker Dwight Gayle is missing with a calf injury and will not face former club Palace. Left-back Massadio Haidara has returned to training but the game has come too soon.