Rafa Benitez will NOT walk out on Newcastle United.

The Toon chief has decided to stay put and see how the campaign pans out at St James’s Park after he was left fuming following the closure of the transfer window.

Benitez has been left licking his wounds after a string of near-misses in the market but will soldier on for the sake of the Toon Army.

The Spaniard feels a debt of loyalty to a group of supporters who have put him on a pedestal during his time on Tyneside.

He knows that walking out on them could precipitate a collapse in the club’s fortunes and is unwilling to see last season’s hard work - where he won the Championship title at the first time of asking – go to waste.

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However, his relationship with the key decision-makers has been stretched and other clubs will now be well aware of his issues with those above him.

A whopping compensation figure of £5million-plus will be payable by either side in the event of a split.

It remains to be seen if any other interested parties – most notably West Ham – will be prepared to write a cheque to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley secure the services of the ex-Real Madrid chief.

Benitez's side won their last match against West Ham (
Image:
Ian MacNicol)
Bilic is under pressure (
Image:
Arfa Griffiths)

The Hammers were thumped on a trip to the north-east only last week.

Despite receiving a vote of confidence from West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, boss Slaven Bilic’s position remains under serious threat.

However, the Hammers’ board have a track record of standing by their managers, a position that could change if the crowd at the London Stadium turn against the Croatian during their game against Huddersfield Town next Monday night.

Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold are also notoriously reluctant to pay any figure of compensation – adding another stumbling block to any deal involving Newcastle’s disgruntled boss.

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