NUFC offer Benitez a 'series of contract options' - despite takeover uncertainty - Martin Hardy
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.
