Newcastle United are confident of agreeing a new contract with Rafael Benitez, according to the Mail.
The newspaper claim there is hope among the St James’ Park hierarchy that the Spaniard will commit to a new deal following the team’s 10th-placed finish.
The Mail report that plans are accelerating ahead of next season as Mike Ashley prepares to remain as owner, with Amanda Staveley “dismissed as a viable buyer”.
OPINION
Newcastle fans have pretty much given up all hope a takeover can be agreed after so many false dawns during the protracted talks between Ashley and Staveley. The latest twist, that the Sports Direct Tycoon, does not regard Staveley as worth talking to anymore despite reports she is still hopeful of negotiating a deal, and is planning to remain at the helm next season will not come as a surprise to the long-suffering Toon faithful. But they will just about accept it if it means hanging on to Benitez for another season. And possibly more. The Spaniard is immensely popular with supporters after steering the club to a comfortable 10th-placed finish in the recently concluded Premier League campaign. His skilful management is key to the club continuing to punch above their weight given that Ashley will not relax the purse strings or gamble by throwing money into the transfer market that the club do not earn. It might appear a rocky relationship, but after two-and-a-half years, it is an increasingly stable one.
