Newcastle United are reportedly planning to open talks with manager Rafael Benitez about a new long-term contract.

The Spaniard guided the Magpies back to the Premier League at the first opportunity last season but was at loggerheads with owner Mike Ashley this summer over the transfer funds available for him to strengthen.

Despite the lack of significant transfer activity over the summer, Benitez's side have got the new season off to a decent start, winning half of their league games to date to sit in the top half of the Premier League table.

According to The Times, the club are keen to dispel any remaining tensions between Benitez and Ashley by rewarding the manager with a new deal in the near future.

Benitez still has two years remaining on his existing deal and the newspaper claims that he will seek assurances over Ashley's vision for the club before committing to a longer contract. The release clause - currently set at £5.5m - is also expected to be a key part of the negotiation process.

The news comes amid reports that Ashley is in talks with several parties about a deal to sell the club for £380m.