The Magpies boss is currently tied down until the summer of 2019.

But his relationship with owner Mike Ashley and Newcastle’s lack of summer spending has seen his position become uncertain.

West Ham have long pursued the former Liverpool manager, having targeted him before Slaven Bilic’s arrival.

A late approach from Real Madrid saw Benitez abandon a move to east London.

However, the possibility of him replacing under-fire Bilic is seen as a threat for Newcastle.

And according to The Times, the club are preparing to open talks with the Spaniard.

The hope is to improve Benitez’s rapport with Ashley.

And the owner is said to have made several overtures to Benitez in recent weeks, inviting him to dinner as a precursor to contract talks.

Benitez had considered resigning at points in the summer over transfer frustrations.

But after a good start to the Premier League season on the back of promotion, Newcastle are plotting to initiate negotiations over a longer deal.

The Times add West Ham have shown strong interest in Benitez, whose contract contains a £5.5m release clause.

And the Newcastle boss would not want to price himself out of a future move by penning a long contract with a high exit clause.

The buy out clause would be a central part of discussions over a new deal.

And Benitez’s response is set to be based on what he hears from Ashley regarding his future vision.

It remains to be seen what will happen with Bilic at West Ham, with this Saturday’s home game against Swansea ahead of the international break considered a must win.

Should the Hammers sack the Croatian, they could go in for Benitez.