RAFAEL BENITEZ has revealed he has had “positive talks” about his future with Newcastle United’s managing director Lee Charnley this week, ahead of the visit of title-chasing Liverpool tomorrow.

The Magpies boss has moved to explain how he has had another chat about what will happen this summer, knowing his contract is due to expire at the end of June and he has previously described how he has been waiting for answers.

Benitez is keen to hear from owner Mike Ashley that the club share his ambitions having successfully kept Newcastle in the Premier League for the second year in a row.

Asked about his own future, Benitez said: “I was talking with Lee Charnley this week and we will let you know when there is more news. We will continue talking. It was positive.

“We will let you know. I understand you will ask me, and I will be asked again. At least we have been talking and we can move forward a little bit.

“I can say ‘yes’ it seems that things are moving forward, we will see if things are right. We have this conversation. I don’t want to be rude, but we have been talking about it and we will let you know.”

Benitez dismissed a question of if an announcement was close by claiming “maybe not before the end of the season” but did suggest they still have “time to find a solution”.

Newcastle’s supporters will be giving him their full backing again at St James’ Park tomorrow when Liverpool arrive on Tyneside.

Benitez said: “I know the fans support me, trying to convince me to stay, trying to go for the emotional way like the first year. I am pleased with that.

“I am in the city, here, the staff and everyone is doing a good job. We are comfortable here. The point is we want to progress and be more competitive to be in a better position.

“There are a lot of positives and one of those is the fans behind us. Still the fans want what is best for the team, like us, so we have to make sure when we are here, we have to try to be here and move forward.

“I know how important it is for everyone, I wanted to do things the same for every game. I know this is the last home game of the season but still I am positive, we are talking. I would like to see this club growing and growing and where it deserves to be.”

Newcastle will have Ayoze Perez and Jamaal Lascelles available for a game that could wreck his former club Liverpool’s title chances.

Benitez said: “I was clear, we are professional and we have to do our job. My relationship with the city, Liverpool, the fans, is there. I was there six years, I have good memories, but at the same time I was there with Chelsea and Newcastle United.

“We have to do our job, Jurgen Klopp will be doing his best for his fans. We will have 50,000 fans in out stadium and I think everyone will understand we will be professional to do our best.

“I was tempted to bring a picture they (Liverpool fans) sent to me when we beat Man City. You have to do what I have to do. I have friends in the Liverpool camp, I have friends also in Manchester City camp. I have a good relationship with Pep Guardiola and Klopp.”