Journalist Chris Waugh has outlined what he believes is holding Rafael Benitez back from signing a new deal at Newcastle.
The Chronicle reporter believes that the Spaniard is waiting to see how the ongoing takeover talks pan out in the coming week to make sure whoever is in charge matches his vision for the club.
Speaking on the Everything is Black and White podcast, Waugh said: “If Benitez had his heart set on definitely leaving, I think he would have made that clear by now.
“I think he is giving the current Newcastle hierarchy, and any would be potential owners as long as possible to convince him that they can match his ambition and vision for the future.”
Benitez current deal at the club runs out at the end of June, with Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley having reportedly held positive meetings with the former Liverpool boss.
With ongoing takeover talks ongoing at with the Bin Zayed Group, the future of everyone seems uncertain, with reports claiming the new potential owners reportedly wanting to bring Jose Mourinho to the club.
OPINION
Chris Waugh is definitely right. If Rafael Benitez wanted to leave the club and didn’t see a future at St James’ Park, he would have certainly left by now. As always, there is continued controversy at the club and should Benitez be allowed to walked away from the club then the Magpies’ faithful would surely not be happy. It seems simple, give the Spaniard what he is asking for and a deal will be concluded. The closer it gets to the deadline, the more Newcastle fans seem to be biting their nails. Waugh suggests that it is Benitez who is waiting to see what happens in regard to the new owners, and that would be the sensible move to make. If new owners come in, Benitez will get a much bigger transfer budget, but if Ashley eventually ends up staying he could end up with limited resources once again. The time has definitely come for Benitez to be given more funds in the market, as he has proved his worth to the club and more in the past three years. If funds are given and Benitez stays there is no reason why the club could not break into the top half of the Premier League quite easily.
