A new deal to remain as Newcastle United manager is still on the table for Rafael Benitez, according to the Chronicle.
The North East outlet claim that the contract offer includes a lucrative salary and a £50million transfer budget for the former Liverpool boss.
The Chronicle report that despite the silence surrounding the club, the Spaniard could be waiting to see if Mike Ashley is willing to increase the budget.
It is also suggested that Benitez is wanting improvements to the club’s training facilities, after drawing up a plan of action for that to happen.
The Champions League winner’s deal runs out at the end of June, and a recent by The Sun had suggested that this final deal offered by Ashley was non-negotiable.
OPINION
This will no doubt split Newcastle fans down the middle. One half will be angry that Ashley seems so unwilling to give Benitez what he wants after the Spaniard has become a hero at St James’ Park, whereas the other half will just be relieved to hear that their manager is still reportedly considering the offer. No news is usually good news when it comes to the Magpies and their owner, but the closer this deal gets to finishing the more nervous fans are becoming to get. It seems like what Benitez is asking for is to benefit the club, a bigger budget will attract better players and improved training facilities will only help develop fresh talent for the club to use in the future. Should a deal not happen, the new proposed owners of the club will have a huge task on their hands to secure a manager that’s a better fit for the club than Benitez, with now surely the time for the Bin Zayed Group to step in and grant his wishes.
