Former Newcastle United star David Ginola has predicted that Rafael Benitez will leave as manager.

The Spaniard was open about his frustrations in the summer transfer window, and now things seem set to get more complicated with regards to spending.

On Tuesday night, a statement sent to Sky Sports News from Mike Ashley's camp revealed that the owner's talks with Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners have broken down.

The businessman put the Magpies up for sale in October, but it appears that he is back to square one after describing talks with PCP Partners as a "waste of time".

Ginola believes that it is only a matter of time before Benitez decides to walk away.

"Do I think that Rafa is going to stick with Newcastle United for another two or three years? I have a very big doubt," the Frenchman told talkSPORT.

"I think he wants to see a club that will secure the future in terms of investment and how he's going to invest in players. I think he'll wait for a few weeks before he makes a decision.

"First of all, he's going to compete and fight against relegation this year but I think his main concern is 'am I going to stay at Newcastle United to avoid relegation every year or play in the Championship again?' I don't think so."

The North-East outfit are currently three points above the relegation zone.