Newcastle are reportedly working on a new deal for manager Rafael Benitez amidst fears he could leave the club at the end of the season, reports The Times.
The Spaniard has been open with his criticism of owner Mike Ashley over the summer following a difficult transfer period, and the club hope a new deal could help improve the relationship with the pair.
Benitez guided Newcastle straight back to the Premier League via winning the EFL Championship last season, and following a positive start to the new season – the Magpies sit ninth after six games – the club are keen to keep hold of a man they feel is vital to their success in the coming years.
The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Inter Milan boss is likely to decide where is future lies depending on the vision of Ashley and where he sees the club going over the next few years, whether that be under his ownership or not.
Benitez’s buy-out clause stands at £5.5 million, and with only one year remaining on his contract, a number of other Premier League clubs including West Ham are reportedly keeping an eye on the situation at St James’ Park.
