Rafa Benitez' time as Newcastle United manager could be coming to an end.

The Spaniard took charge at St James' Park in March 2016, when the North-East club were on the brink of relegation - with only 10 games to turn their fortunes around.

His team won 13 points from a possible 30 - and it wasn't enough to keep the Toon Army in the Premier League for the 2016-17 season.

It's being reported in the Daily Mail that due to disagreements in the amount of money that should be spent between the ownership and the management - his contract may be ran up at the end of the month and a replacement will be hired.

However, his three-years on Tyneside has been fraught with rumours his time would be coming to an end - due to a fractious relationship with club owner Mike Ashley.

Last month, it had been confirmed by the Bin Zayed group that they would take over the club that had been in the ownership of Mike Ashley since 2007.

There had been continued speculation about where the future of Newcastle United would go with the group's Managing Director Midhat Kidwai saying, "In consideration of the numerous speculations in regards to the timelines of the acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club by Bin Zayed Group, we feel the need to issue this statement.

"Terms have been agreed between us and Mike Ashley; these terms have been reflected in a document, signed by both parties, which has been forwarded to the Premier League."

However, there was no official confirmation from the club.

The Newcastle United fans, despite being very supportive of Rafa Benitez have held a number of protests throughout his time as manager, due to the running of the club and Ashley's involvement.

The 59-year old's most famous night came in Istanbul in 2005, when he led Liverpool to its fifth Champions League title.

The Reds were 3-0 at half-time and all hope seemed gone, but they fought back and took the game to penalties, and won in one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game.

Written by Ben Finnegan.