Times: Major Newcastle contract talks ready to be staged, Mike Ashley makes overtures
By Danny Wright
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is preparing to open talks with Rafa Benitez over extending his contract, according to a report.
The Times claims that the St. James’ Park chief has made “several overtures” to the Spanish manager in recent weeks as he looks to restore the broken relationship between them.
It is understood that Ashley had invited Benitez for dinner to outline his plans for a new deal for the senior man, who has worked wonders this season with the Magpies after a highly frustrating summer transfer window.
Benitez’s contract at St. James’ Park doesn’t expire until the end of next season but it is reported that the Spaniard considered quitting Newcastle over the summer after a number of transfer deals broke down due to a lack of funding from Ashley.
The Times adds that the Newcastle boss will make his decision on whether or not he will sign a new deal if he is impressed by the long-term vision that Ashley has for the club.
Football Insider Verdict
There is not one person more important at St. James’ Park than Benitez. The ex-Real Madrid boss is easily the best manager that they have had on Tyneside for a great deal of time and Ashley must do everything in his power to keep him at the club as long as possible. Although Benitez will have relegation on his record from a couple of seasons ago, it was 100 per cent not his fault and the way he led his side to the Championship title last time out shows how blessed the Tynesiders are to have him on board. Survival looks very likely at this stage of the season, but complacency must not settle in after a good start. The loss at Brighton was a reality check for everyone and it seems that may be the catalyst in getting a new deal done for Benitez.
In other Newcastle United news, the Magpies have set their sights on this £12million-rated attacker and have jetted out on a mission to watch him.
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