Trusted north-east reporter George Caulkin has confirmed that Rafa Benitez is ‘pushing’ for more talks with Lee Charnley this week – with him STILL yet to receive any response from Mike Ashley over a new contract.
The Spaniard has been like a broken record in recent press conferences or post/pre-match interviews, insisting that he’s now ‘waiting’ to hear back from the club’s hierarchy after submitting his contract requests.
Several weeks on and Benitez is still waiting for a response while Mike Ashley unwinds following a reported ‘Easter break’.
Here’s what George Caulkin has had to say during his latest piece for The Times:
‘Benítez is pushing for more talks this week; he has still had no substantive response to his contractual wish-list, which is less about budget or salary than guarantees the club will stick to their promises.’
It’s interesting to read here that Rafa’s more focused on the club’s ability to stick to their promises – and not so much fixated on transfer kitty’s or his own salary.
George went on to assess the current situation at St James’ Park, insisting that it’s the Spaniard’s future is on the minds of everyone at the club – yet no breakthrough has been achieved despite claims that the club are ‘committed’ to keeping him:
‘Players know it, supporters know it and although Lee Charnley, the managing director, says the club is committed to keeping the 59-year-old, negotiations have not been fruitful and time is slipping away.
‘They finished tenth last season and are 12th now, but their return to the Premier League has been a grind. Benítez wants more.’
The wait goes on, but with three games of the season left and just over a month until Benitez’s deal expires, something’s got to give soon.
Can we tell the difference between a complete lack of a response and no substantive response?
Not to mention he’s negotiating with Charnley, Not Ashley.
You pushing for a job on the Chronicle, Olly?
Brrrian(Quote)
These so called respected journalists make is laugh what they don’t know they make up it’s a lot like the click bait sh!te I read linking us with every Tom **** and Harry.
ToonRme(Quote)
Alan Shearer is still waiting for Mike Ashley to get back to him to when he gave the nufc owner a list of what was needed to revive the aling club from the brink and that was May/June 2009? Rafa will still be waiting for a response after Mike Ashley has recruited his long time gambling pal Alan Pardew as the next manager. I wonder if the if RAFAGOESWEGO crowd will stick to their guns once Rafa has been ran out of the club for showing Ashley up time and time again.
Nufc 11(Quote)
Olly, George knows his stuff, one of the more respected journalist. We all know how this will likely end, look at how he treated Big Al and KK, even hoots after he guided us back up. Ashley is a money lovin leach who will suck our club dry .
KIMTOON(Quote)