Newcastle warn of losses after year in the Championship

Owner Ashley put the club on the market late last year as it battled to stay in the Premier League.

Newcastle are now safe and planning is underway for next season, though there is a question mark over Rafa Benitez's future.

Benitez's representatives have held preliminary discussions with the club's hierarchy over a new deal.

United today punished the minutes from last week's Fans Forum.

And club representatives, including Lee Charnley, were asked about Benitez's future and transfer plans.

They were also asked why the club had not yet published accounts for the 2016-17 Championship-winning season.

The accounts for the club's year in English football's second tier are expected to show a significant loss.

United's response to the question read: "The club explained that a date has not yet been set for publication but that the next set of accounts would detail the considerable financial impact of the club’s relegation to the Championship for the 2016-17 season."

Asked if the club was still for sale, a Newcastle's representative said there had been "no change" in Ashley's position.