Rafael Benitez has told Newcastle United that he is not planning on leaving St James’ Park this summer, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claims that the 58-year-old has informed the club he will remain with the Magpies after “positive discussions”.
It is understood that the Spaniard has been left with a “competitive transfer budget” and he has begun talks with managing director Lee Charnley about the club’s summer recruitment.
The report details that Benitez will be in charge of transfer dealings and club owner Mike Ashley is prioritising extending his stay after recent speculation about his future, with just 12 months remaining on his contract.
Newcastle are keen to strengthen with a new full-back, striker and winger in the coming months, while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is also likely to turn his loan switch into a permanent one.
OPINION
Newcastle fans will be delighted to hear that Benitez will at least be around for another season, but the large majority want his long-term future nailed down and there will be an air of uncertainty until that happens. The Spaniard is arguably the most important person at the club right now and they would suffer major slide if he was not at the helm. It is clear that he only wants sufficient funding to help the Magpies compete in the top half of the Premier League table and realises how much potential the club has. Newcastle will need a strong summer window to make them competitive next year and adding a proven centre-forward has to be a priority. They managed to avoid relegation without a serious goal threat for most of the campaign and things could have been even rosier if they had a 15-goal man to spearhead the attack, with Dwight Gayle and Joselu not quite reaching the required standard.
