From £140million prize pot to best record since Alan Pardew - what Newcastle United have to play for

Newcastle United will land a Premier League prize money bonanza of close to £140million if they can hold on to their top 10 place this season.

With four games to go, which include three tough clashes against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal, United are currently in ninth spot in the top-flight. Although, Leicester City, the team directly below them have two matches in hand.

Even then Newcastle will be hopeful of fending off Brighton & Hove Albion just below them in the Premier League standings. And if they can it could make a significant financial difference.

Based on the previous pay-outs for Premier League prize money and TV facility fees, Newcastle will land around £138.6million if they finished ninth. The 12th placed position, which United occupied last term, would net approximately £121.4m this summer.

With a squad and staff bonus already agreed before the Saudi-backed takeover went through, employees will also land a cash windfall based on final league position. Therefore, despite Newcastle's top-flight safety already assured, the feeling is around St James' Park there is still all to play for.

United do have funds to spend this summer but it is not a bottomless pit due to Financial Fair Play rules. And the new owners also keen to ensure a good sustainable business plan as things move forward.

If Newcastle could hold on or better the ninth place spot they have this would be the club's best finish in a decade. It would better the 2018 10th place finish of Rafa Benitez and be the highest standing since 2012 when United finished fifth.

Only Alan Pardew (twice) and Benitez have achieved a top half finish since 2006. In terms of points banked Howe will be hoping to pick up the best tally since promotion and