RAFAEL BENITEZ does not want to think about Mike Ashley’s ongoing attempts to sell Newcastle United because he is keen to focus on delivering results on the pitch.

Benitez and the club’s fans are aware that Ashley met with Amanda Staveley, the Dubai-based financier working on buying the Tyneside outfit, on Thursday night in London.

The pair had a curry and are believed to have had face-to-face discussions in a bid to find a conclusion to the recent negotiations over the sale of Newcastle.

Staveley and the PCP Capital Partners she represents are known to have been offering considerably less than the near £400m asking price Ashley had been seeking.

The photographs of Ashley and Staveley together have increased the optimism that something could happen, although there are fears the actual sale might not go through until February.

Benitez, speaking ahead of Saturday’s evening kick-off with Leicester City, said: “What was vital from day one for us was when I was talking about 20 points in the first half of the league, and 20 in the second half, so 40 is the salvation, every point is important. We have to stick together and the only way is to maximise what we have.

“That (takeover talk) is something I can’t change. The focus is on football. If the players play, my focus has to be on how they play.

“I was not there (at the meeting) so I have no idea. I know because obviously everyone is talking about that, but it changes nothing for me.

“I have to pick the team, the squad, preparing the players on the pitch. I have not been briefed (on what was said) but it doesn’t change my approach. What I can do is influence what is on the field, and that depends on me.”

Benitez is hoping to have money to spend in the New Year and the uncertainty over the ownership could influence things as he looks to add to his squad. He will be asking for a transfer boost.

“Not yet (spoken about money),” said Benitez. “I think we will stay up, that’s my conviction. At the same time a good hand will help to bring someone in, and that will help too. My main thing is to focus on the games.

“We have to improve as a team to compete with the top sides, like we saw in last games. We have to maximise what we have and we have fantastic fans behind the team.

“We had a meeting about August in May, and I am expecting that money we weren’t spending could be available. Hopefully we can sit down and see exactly where we are.”

Newcastle will have Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu available again after injury for the visit of the Foxes as Benitez looks to end a six-match run without a win. Left-back Paul Dummett will be playing for the Under-23s tonight.