Some reassuring news being reported in The Chronicle today, who reveal that Rafa Benitez HAS been handed assurances surrounding the January transfer window, with the club committed to backing him even if a takeover is not completed by then.
As we know, Mike Ashley officially put the club up for sale on Monday and whilst potential new owners would back Benitez in January if a sale was completed by Christmas, there were concerns that no funds would be made available should Ashley have failed to sell by then.
The Chronicle have however confirmed that despite Ashley’s intentions to be sold up by Christmas, he WILL back Benitez if he is still around when the January window opens.
This was echoed in a statement by Ashley’s lawyer Andrew Henderson on Monday, who confirmed that the club are ready to accommodate the necessary funds required if a sale is not completed by January, enabling the club to be in the ‘best position’ it can be ahead of a potential sale:
WATCH: Mike Ashley puts #NUFC up for sale and wants a deal done by Christmas. More on #SSN now. pic.twitter.com/35VcZTKwzd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 16, 2017
It is reported that Benitez is looking to bolster his midfield options, wanting a creative force to compete with Ayoze Perez, whilst cover at left-back and a striker are also on his January agenda.
Ashley may have broken his promises over the summer, but I suspect it’ll be different this time given the importance of looking after the clubs immediate needs ahead of a potential sale.
(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)
