Rafa Benitez is yet to receive assurances over the club’s transfer policy or the budget he’ll receive according to the Chronicle – who suggest he’s waiting to hear more on the takeover front before deciding on his future.
Their latest piece states that Newcastle are willing to give the Spaniard time to consider a new contract, but do admit that takeover talk has ‘complicated matters further’.
As you’d expect, the report also reveals that Benitez is ‘reluctant’ to sign a new deal under Mike Ashley when new owners could yet replace him in the coming weeks, with it seeming as though he’s waiting it out until the situation at St James’ Park becomes clearer.
Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s latest piece on Rafa’s future:
‘Newcastle United remain willing to give Rafa Benitez as long as necessary to sign a new contract – although there is an acceptance that a firm decision is required either way soon.
‘The 59-year-old is now into the final two weeks of his current contract and has, as of yet, opted against signing the extension which has been offered to him.
‘Although Benitez returned to the club’s Benton Training Centre last Monday, he has not given the Magpies hierarchy any indication as to whether he is willing to sign the deal for the terms currently on offer.
‘It is understood that he is still yet to receive the assurances over budget and transfer policy he wants in order to commit himself to the club, while the uncertainty over a potential takeover has also complicated matters further.
‘With Benitez unsure whether the current Newcastle hierarchy will still be in charge within a matter of weeks, he is reluctant to pen a contract before he receives greater clarity on the future direction the club is heading.‘
So, it sounds like Rafa is either in the dark and waiting to hear what’s really going on or he may well be sitting tight and simply waiting for a new owner to arrive.
Let’s hope it’s the latter, because I really don’t see how he’s going to stick around any longer if a takeover does not happen and he’s stuck with Mike Ashley – a bloke who’s STILL reluctant to compromise on budget or transfer policy.
