According to north-east reporter Martin Hardy, Newcastle bosses have now given Rafa Benitez a ‘series of contract options’ to consider – despite the fact a £350m takeover could be in the offing.
Hardy’s latest piece for OffThePitch.com says there’s been a ‘new push’ to tie the Spaniard down to a new contract, with his current deal due to expire on June 30th.
That said, he claims Benitez knew ‘nothing’ about a about a potential Shekikh Khaled takeover when the stories emerged on Sunday night – something that’s said to have caused more ‘uncertainty’ over the club’s desire to keep him this summer.
If he knew that a takeover was imminent he may sign, believing a new Mike Ashley-less era could finally give him a chance of fulfilling the club’s potential, however it doesn’t sound like he’s in the know regarding a potential Bin Zayed Group buyout.
In fairness, I’m not sure who is at this stage, with the club even refusing to comment on BZG’s latest statement.
A penny for Rafa Benitez’s thoughts. After weeks of contract talks, the takeover circus at Newcastle United has taken centre stage on Tyneside, leaving so many of us in the dark.
More guessing games. Benitez is on holiday so I’m assuming this prolonged meeting he was never having last week with MA didnt actually happen. regurgitated codswallop at best. Benitez has already agreed his contract and the takeover is in advanced stage s of completion hence no full announcements as there is a disclosure agreement in place. Lazy journalism. 😛
Cocobear(Quote)