MIKE ASHLEY insists he wants Rafael Benitez to remain as Newcastle United manager, but the Magpies boss has warned the club’s owner he will have to make a significant summer investment to ensure next season does not turn into another scrap for a mid-table spot.

A brace from Ayoze Perez and a first-half strike from Dwight Gayle ensured Newcastle claimed a 3-0 win over Chelsea yesterday to finish the season in tenth position, with their final outing coming amid a backdrop of chants from a sold-out St James’ Park urging Benitez to commit to a new long-term deal.

The Spaniard is about to enter the final year of his current contract, and once again refused to rule out leaving this summer in his post-match press conference. His future has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, with West Ham United, Leicester City and Everton all having been linked with an interest in his services.

Ashley was not at St James’ to watch Newcastle’s final-day win, and the Sports Direct boss has not attended a single Magpies game all season. However, he broke his silence by issuing a statement via Newcastle’s official website last night.

In a move that appears to suggest there is little chance of an imminent takeover, Ashley spelled out his support for Benitez, and insisted he will be doing everything he can to support the Spaniard in the transfer market this summer.

“I would like to thank Rafa Benitez for his magnificent achievement this season,” said Ashley. “I would also like to applaud the players, led fantastically by the captain Jamaal Lascelles.

“On many occasions through the season they have been described as a Championship side, which I personally consider to be derogatory.

“Rafa, as always, has my full support, and contrary to some media reports that portray me as a pantomime villain, I will continue to ensure that every penny generated by the club is available to him.

“I hope very much that Rafa will remain at Newcastle United. Finally, I would like to thank the fans for their unrivalled support of Rafa and the team throughout the season.”

Benitez insists he would like to remain in his current role, but he does not want to spend next season battling in the bottom half of the table.

Three or four key summer signings will be required to ensure Newcastle can turn their attentions towards the European positions, but while this season’s achievements have added more than £120m to the Magpies’ coffers, it remains to be seen whether Ashley is willing to loosen the purse strings.

He has made pledges of financial support in the past, only for Benitez to be left frustrated as a succession of transfer moves broke down.

“It is not enough just to finish tenth with four or five teams around you,” said Benitez.

“What I would like is to be sure that the team is able to compete to finish above tenth. That means having the right quality, the right mentality and the right level through the whole season, not just for some performances.

“This group of players have done so well, so it would be easy to say, ‘Okay, well you are already in the top ten’. I think we have to do something more to make sure the group is stronger and more competitive.

“Then we can go to any stadium and think about going to win, rather than thinking that a draw might be a good result. We have to have the confidence in our team to be able to go anywhere thinking that we can win.”

Benitez’s representatives have held a number of discussions with Newcastle’s managing director, Lee Charnley, and those talks are set to continue this week.

However, Benitez will not be penning a new deal until he has received some further clarification about his transfer budget for the summer, and the extent to which he will be allowed to spend the money as he sees fit.

Without some cast-iron guarantees on both scores, he will not be signing up to an extended stay.

“It is clear what we need,” said Benitez. “We have a couple of players on loan who are leaving (Kenedy and Islam Slimani), and a couple of players who have finished their contract too (Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara).

“You need to sign players to be sure you have a good squad with competition. There is one other thing that has been important too, and that we have had this year.

"The medical staff, fitness coaches and sports scientists have done a great job because we haven’t had many injuries. Imagine this team with two or three injuries.

“You need to be sure you have competition, and enough levels within the squad to make sure you can approach any game thinking you can win. It cannot be the case that if you miss one or two players, the team is not the same. We need a squad that has to be capable of competing in the Premier League.”

Two years ago, Benitez admitted that the support of the St James’ Park faithful played a major role in his decision not to walk away in the wake of relegation.

There were similar scenes yesterday, with the Spaniard being serenaded from all four corners of the ground as he led his squad on a post-match lap of honour.

“I was really proud of that, but you cannot sing the name of the manager if the team is doing badly,” he said. “In this case, what the players did last season and what they have done this year was massive. The fans appreciate this togetherness, and the relationship we have created.”