RAFA BENITEZ has said ‘thank you’ to Newcastle United’s fans ahead of the visit of Wolves after a section of supporters abandoned their calls for a full boycott of the Premier League fixture.

The Magpie Group last week had an 11th minute ‘walk-in’ during the defeat to West Ham to protest against Mike Ashley’s 11-year ownership of the Tyneside club.

After Ashley’s comments in midweek claimed his attempts to sell were at a “more progressed stage” than ever before, the Group have since shelved a plan to stage a full boycott.

Benitez is relieved to hear that as Newcastle look to continue a recent run of decent form which has seen them collect ten points from the last 15 available. That return has lifted Newcastle four points clear of the bottom three and thousands of empty seats inside St James’ Park might have had a negative impact.

Benitez said: “I have to say thank you to the fans because my message has been very clear: this group of players, they deserve support because they work so hard until the last minute in every game that I think it’s fair for them.

“If the fans appreciate that, then they want to support the team in the way that they were supporting before, but even more because everybody will be even more focused on not wasting too much time with these questions and answers and if it is affecting the team or not.

“I think it will be good, it will be positive and hopefully we can get three points and everybody will be happy.”

Ashley’s desire to sell before January appears fanciful, despite suggestions the group Peter Kenyon is putting together to buy him out is credible even if the Newcastle owner is yet to see proof of the funds.

Benitez knows the sooner the situation is cleared up the better, so he can concentrate on preparing for the January transfer window. He is already having regular meetings and is targeting Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguayan international is a top target and is due to play in the MLS Cup final tomorrow, with claims he will complete a loan move to Tyneside next month with a view to a permanent £15m switch.

Benitez said: “I don't talk about players, but I've heard that someone has said we made an offer and after, we said 'no, we didn't make any offer'.

 “We don't talk about players. If we make an offer, they will know, we will know and not necessarily the press will know. At the moment, there is no news and we carry on with the players that we have trying to do our best for the next game.”

Newcastle will be without Fabian Schar through suspension against Wolves. Brazilian winger Kenedy and left-back Paul Dummett will be available again after injuries.