Benitez holds talks with Ashley for first time in months after Newcastle's 3-0 win over Cardiff

Owner Ashley was at St James’ Park for the first time since November, when the Toon also registered their last home win against Bournemouth.

And he visited boss Benitez’s office after the game to congratulate him – the first time the pair have spoken since the autumn.

Their face-to-face chat comes at a crucial time as Benitez is desperate to strengthen his squad before the close of the January transfer window.

Ashley has also all but given up hope of selling the club anytime soon, as Peter Kenyon has still not raised the £300million required to complete a takeover and has gone quiet in recent weeks.

After Newcastle leapfrogged Cardiff and moved up to 17th, Benitez said: “These are the key games, against teams that are close to us.

“And we played well, we had a lot of energy and commitment. It was crucial.

“It is always good to be out of the bottom three.

“But the main thing is to see the team fighting because we knew it was an important game for everyone.

“If we work like we did today and play like today, I’m sure we will be a little bit higher in the table.

“Everybody is happy and now we just have to carry on.”

Defender Fabian Schar scored twice before Ayoze Perez added a third as Newcastle leapfrogged Cardiff, who fall back into the drop zone.

Hero Schar, 27, said: "It was a fantastic feeling after the game because it was a massive game for both teams."

Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock added: “It’s a disappointment for us.

“But we were in the bottom three earlier in the season and you can never write our lads off.

"Nobody will expect us to bounce again but we have bounced back from adversity all season."

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