Reports that Newcastle United have put transfer business on hold until the future of manager Rafa Benitez is resolved are wide of the mark, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that club sources have denied Sunday’s report in The Sun which suggested the club were delaying any transfer moves until talks with Benitez were complete.
The Chronicle claim that Benitez has not been informed of any transfer embargo, with the Spaniard now seeking to establish a new “common sense policy” on transfers.
The Spaniard has had issues in the past with club bosses interfering in transfer business and it has been reported that he is looking to rid himself of as many restrictions as possible.
OPINION
It was a surprise to hear that the club had decided to put transfers on hold until Benitez had sorted his future. It seemed almost like the club were attempting to hasten the Spaniard into agreeing a new long-term deal at St. James’ Park. The claim that these reports are wrong seems to make more sense, with the club very aware of how important it is to keep Benitez happy this summer. The last thing anyone wants is to see Benitez walk away, and a move like this would have contributed to that possibility becoming a reality. Benitez has always spoken about how important it is to get business done early in the transfer window, and that will be even more crucial for the Magpies this summer as they look to press on after a brilliant season. Competition for the calibre of players they will be chasing is high, and they will need every little help they can get in their pursuits in the coming weeks.
