Newcastle loanee open to a St James's Park return '“ if Rafa Benitez will give him another chance

The goalkeeper, signed from Gent two years ago, was loaned to Anderlecht last summer after an uncertain season in the Championship.

Sels, under contract at St James’s Park until 2021, says he’s waiting to discover if he still features in Rafa Benitez’s plans.

“I want to know if the club wants to keep me,” said the 26-year-old. “But I have not closed the chapter on Newcastle.

“I remain very grateful to Rafa Benitez for hiring me.”

Benitez signed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on loan in January and the club has an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

And Newcastle will look to move Sels on at the end of the season.

Sels, however, will wait until he discusses his situation with Benitez before commenting on his future.

“At the moment, I could make statements in all directions,” said the Belgium international.

“But I have to wait. I depend on Newcastle’s project, to which I remain bound for several years.

“I have not had news in a few months, but I do not let it get in my head. As soon as the club has ensured their stay in the Premier League, they will contact me.”

United are 10th in the Premier League table – and 13 points clear of the relegation zone – with five games left to play.

Meanwhile, Everton fans have been asked to rate their boss ahead of Newcastle’s visit to Goodison Park.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce is under pressure ahead of Monday night’s televised game.

Allardyce was appointed in late November by the club.

Everton are ninth and a point ahead of Newcastle, who have won their last four games. But Allardyce has come under fire from a section of supporters unhappy about his style of football.

And Everton have asked members of the club’s fan panel to air their views in their annual survey.