Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will spend this weekend on standby in case further face-to-face talks are required with manager Rafael Benitez, according to The Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that the Sports Direct tycoon, along with managing director Lee Charnley, met with the Spaniard in London on Thursday to discuss his future on Tyneside.
The former Liverpool boss has since returned to his home on the Wirral and any communication between the three men since then has been electronic.
However, it appears that Ashley has his helicopter on standby ready to shoot in for further face-to-face talks if they are required.
OPINION
This is a very encouraging update for the Newcastle fans. Clearly Ashley is committed to getting Benitez’s future resolved and wants to secure a resolution to his manager’s situation. Benitez, for his money, wants to know the extent of the Magpies’ ambition and, although that hasn’t been fully ascertained just yet, it is an ongoing process. Obviously in-person talks are best when discussing things like this, but all three men will be busy with other things as well. The next best thing, then, is to talk over the phone or via email in an attempt to break the deadlock. However, it’s hugely positive that Ashley has his helicopter on standby and is ready to fly in to meet Benitez if that’s what is required to get a new deal over the line for the Spaniard. Obviously it is of the utmost importance that the manager stays and it finally seems as if Ashley is starting to understand that as well.
