Newcastle United Christian Atsu has urged manager Rafa Benitez to extend his stay at the St. James Park.

The 56 year old tactician is into the final six months of his contract and so far opted against signing a new deal.

Benitez signed an initial three-year deal in March 2016 and although the club were eventually relegated, they ended the Premier League season on a six-match unbeaten run.

However, the Spaniard guided them back into the Premier League after one season in the Championship. It has been reported Benitez could be lured to another club in the summer, something Atsu is keen to avoid happening.

Rafa’s like a father,” Atsu says. “He encourages me almost every day. Tactically Rafa’s very detailed but he’s not just about tactics and coaching. He’s very good at the human side of management which is so important.

“It’s very important Rafa stays,” he continued. “Newcastle’s a big club and Rafa’s a great manager, one of the best in the world, one of the few to have won the Champions League. He’s great for this club, with him here, big players will come to Newcastle and we can win trophies.”