Speculation over Newcastle United’s proposed takeover continues to rumble on and, while the club remain up for sale, Mike Ashley is preparing to stay in charge of the Magpies for the 2018/19 season as no suitors are close to a deal.
The Chronicle quotes Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley as confirming the Premier League side remain on the market but Ashley has pushed ahead with plans for next season, which likely includes contract negotiations with Rafael Benitez and setting the transfer budget.
While it’s still not clear exactly what is going on behind the scenes, Charnley gave some clarity to the situation when speaking at a fans forum this week, where he said:
“The position has not changed. If or when there is anything to update, the club would do so.”
“The manager [Rafael Benitez] has a year remaining on his contract. As the manager has publicly stated, discussions to extend his contract are ongoing.”
“The club stressed that its conversations with the manager are ongoing and include discussions around the transfer pot available. The club explained that the recruitment process is year-round and doesn’t stop. The manager and recruitment team are talking about targets for this window and have been for some time.”
