According to Italian outlet ‘Tuttosport’, Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez have “reached an agreement” over transfers, claiming the NUFC owner will back the Spaniard with ‘substantial funds’.
Given transfer stories coming out of Italy have often failed to have much substance behind them, it should go without saying that this should be taken with a considerable pinch of salt.
Here’s what they’ve had to say, claiming the board have now agreed to back Benitez in his bid for European football next season:
‘Ashley and Rafa have reached an agreement over proceeding, with NUFC vowing to back him with substantial transfer funds.
‘Benitez wants to be able to aim for a European spot next season and it is claimed Newcastle are ready to back him.’
Benitez has several links to Italy, having managed Napoli and Inter Milan, but I find it a little hard to believe that they will have leaks from his talks with Mike Ashley in London before any of our local media.
It’s better to hear positive news than negative news at this stage – even if the source in question seems dubious – but let’s hope this can be backed up from a slightly more trusted outlet in due course.
