Newcastle United: Alan Shearer does not expect Rafael Benitez to stay

Benitez is understood to have a break clause in his contract

Former Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer says he would be "amazed" if Rafael Benitez remained as manager of the Magpies.

Newcastle's second relegation from the Premier League in seven years was confirmed on Wednesday.

Shearer told BBC Radio 5 live: "A guy of great stature, a world-renowned coach with his CV managing in the Championship? I can't see it happening.

"I'd love to be wrong. It would be brilliant if he was to stay."

Listen to Shearer talking to BBC Radio 5 live

Benitez succeeded the sacked Steve McClaren with Newcastle 19th in the table but could not save the club, winning two of nine league games.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager is believed to have a break clause in the three-year contract he signed in early March, which means the 56-year-old's future with the club is uncertain.

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"I know it's a huge football club and I know he's been very impressed with how the fans have taken to him, but I'd be amazed if he stayed," added Shearer, scorer of 206 goals for Newcastle over 10 seasons.

"I'm sure he'll have loads and loads of offers, not only from the Premier League but from around the world."

Last season, Newcastle needed a last-day victory against West Ham United at St James' Park to avoid relegation.

Newcastle fans will have to adapt to life in the Championship next season

Shearer, who as a short-term manager could not prevent the club from being relegated seven years ago, said relegation had been "coming for a while".

"When you've been flirting with relegation for so long the inevitable will happen," added the former England captain.

"When you don't address problems that have been glaringly obvious for years then, ultimately, you get what you deserve."

In response to managing director Lee Charnley's promise of a full inquest, Shearer said: "That's one thing Newcastle have been good at this season, putting statements out.

"Maybe they should have looked at what went wrong a bit earlier. It might be a bit late to look at it now."