Newcastle’s narrow victory over Huddersfield Town last weekend may have given the Magpies some breathing room in the fight to avoid an immediate return to the Championship but the fight to secure the club’s top-flight status is unlikely to be the only battle in the coming months.
The Mirror report that manager Rafael Benitez is emerging as a target for Spanish strugglers Real Sociedad this summer, which could potentially provide the spark to contract renewal talks at St. James’ Park.
Benitez has endured a difficult time on Tyneside, battling with limited funds and the fact that Newcastle remain up for sale, but has caught the eye with his leadership- and the Magpies are desperate to keep him on board.
However, talks regarding a contract renewal have not progressed, having been put on a back burner until after the club’s Premier League status is mathematically secure, and Benitez could use the interest of the Basque side as leverage in negotiations.
Benitez will likely seek assurances of his budget for the summer window as he seeks to improve his side and boasts a decent record, having seen summer signings Florian Lejuene and Mikel Merino become crucial members of the squad.
His work in January was also decisive, with the loan captures of Kenedy from Chelsea and Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague helping to fire the Magpies towards safety.
