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Benitez future hanging by thread after Newcastle takeover collapse

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Image for Benitez future hanging by thread after Newcastle takeover collapse

Rafael Benitez’s future as Newcastle United manager is hanging by a thread after the club’s proposed takeover stands on the point of collapse, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper claim that owner Mike Ashley has upped his asking price for the club from £320million to £400million in an £80million move that has baffled financier Amanda Staveley as she attempts to buy the club.

The Mirror report that Staveley is ready to walk away from the deal, and this could have repercussions for Benitez, whose position would have been safeguarded by a takeover as he is central to her plans.

OPINION

Newcastle fans would be apoplectic if they lose Benitez due to Ashley’s financial muscle-flexing and greed. Quite why he thinks the club is worth £80million more now than it was a few months ago is odd, especially as his demands threaten the future of Benitez, who is one of the club’s prize assets and his presence in the dugout is deeply attractive for Staveley and any other potential investor. Integral to Newcastle’s valuation is their place in the Premier League, which Benitez comfortably retained despite a budget that is dwarfed by rivals in the second half of the table, not to mention the real big spenders. Would Newcastle be as attractive and valuable without the key figure at the club? Definitely not. With a £6million release clause in his contract and no sign of a new agreement close to being sealed, Newcastle are vulnerable to losing their manager. The effect this could have on the club’s valuation could be catastrophic. Ashley appears to have over-played his hand, unless an agreement with Rafa is closer than is being reported.

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