The power struggle at Newcastle United shows no sign of abating.

The Magpies' winless start to the season was compounded by a midweek defeat to Nottingham Forest in the League Cup, despite scoring a 92nd-minute equaliser.

Perhaps Rafa Benitez's hand had already been dealt in the summer, when Mike Ashley failed to give his manager significant backing in the transfer market.

Newcastle spent a grand total of £22.5million in initial fees, doing little to ward off suggestions that they are scrapping in the Premier League with what is essentially a Championship squad.

On the opening day of the season, therefore, it was little surprise to see huge protests outside Sports Direct - which, of course, is owned by the deeply unpopular Ashley - and leaflets distributed around the city centre calling for his head.

Many of those fans have long feared Benitez's patience will run out and he has previously threatened to quit the club if their off-field situation did not improve.

The Spaniard is now thought to be communicating with the owner only via managing director Lee Charnley. They last met in person three months ago.

Ashley's petty behaviour 

In an even more bizarre development, the Daily Mail report that Ashley is aggrieved at not being personally asked to watch the team train. What is more, he is still waiting for Benitez to invite him to watch a home game.

Why? Surely a man who actually owns Newcastle United should have no problem rocking up to St James' Park every other Saturday.

In fact, he has not been to a home match since they lifted the Championship trophy in May 2017.

Benitez responds 

When pressed on the subject in a press conference ahead of the trip to Manchester City this weekend, Benitez insisted:

“The owner is the owner and he is always welcome here.

“If he wants to come, it is not a problem. We are a professional club and we are open to anyone. And as the owner, he can come whenever he wants.

"Are you married? Yes. You have a house? Yes. So do you have to be invited into your own house?"

Few will blame the former Liverpool boss for growing a little exasperated.

The Mail also suggest that Ashley is in contact with captain Jamaal Lascelles, who has been unsettled of late, clashing with Matt Ritchie in training and rowing with the club over bonuses in the summer.

Make no mistake, this was far from a olive branch from Benitez and he reiterated that Newcastle were at an immediate disadvantage compared to the clubs around them.

“This year will be more difficult, because Wolves and Fulham have spent a lot of money, not just this year but also in the past," he added.

"You look at Cardiff and Huddersfield. We are around that league.”

If that's the case, maybe it's for the best that Ashley's never there to see them.  

What do you make of Benitez's situation? Have your say in the comments.