REVEALED: How much Benitez could have to spend in January following big takeover developments
It has been confirmed today that Amanda Staveley and Mike Ashley are now 'very close' to agreeing a £300m deal for the sale of NUFC, and with that, some details of our potential January plans have been shared as a result - with several claims that Ashley will hand Benitez around £30m to spend if the deal goes through (a fee that is set to be paid back to Ashley when the takeover is completed).
Due to the Premier League regulations, any official completing won't be until the end of January (30-40 days to ratify new owners), however it has been revealed just how Benitez will be handed transfer funds next month with Ashley still technically set to be in charge by that point.
It is understood, based on several of the reports written on the breaking news, that Mike Ashley is now willing to pay for January transfers, with PCP set to agree in writing that they will repay him once takeover has been ratified. Makes a lot of sense really.
Here's what North-East correspondent Craig Hope revealed in his story for the Daily Mail today, claiming that a figure in the region of £30m is expected to be given to Benitez:
"The Newcastle boss could be armed with around £30m to invest in his team next month if a deal is reached."
Here's some additional insights into how much there could be to spend and just how this investment will work with Staveley not expected to be officially in place in time for next month's window:
https://twitter.com/SkySports_Keith/status/940927991571517440
The £30m claimed is not big bucks, as the Chronicle's Mark Douglas states here, however it is a fair budget to give Rafa a chance of improving his first-team with a few much needed buys.
https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/940933410620690432
https://twitter.com/lee_ryder/status/940933061050499072
As Lee Ryder explains above, it looks like a recruitment meeting will now take place to put Benitez and his teams January actions into plan now they appear to have a far better idea on budget.
Does £30m sound ok to you? Let us know your thoughts..
