Premier League survival hopefuls Newcastle United are reportedly hoping to tie manager Rafael Benitez down to a new deal at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United are prepared to offer Rafa Benitez a new contract that will make him one of England’s most well paid managers, according to the Chronicle.
It is common knowledge that Benitez is out of contract at the end of this season, with his future at St James’ Park still up in the air due to apparent divisions between the Spaniard and owner Mike Ashley.
There was a time when the former Real Madrid boss looked destined to leave St James’ Park, but it seems that his frustration about a lack of investment has been sated by the club-record £20 million deal that brought Miguel Almiron to Tyneside in January.
And the Chronicle claims that Newcastle are now confident that Benitez is willing to stay, provided he can be given assurances over the club’s ambition.
Interestingly, however, the report adds that the club will offer him a less ‘binding’ contract, potentially including a break clause in a new deal that would allow him to walk away if the differences between manager and board reared their heads again.
Leicester City were reportedly keen to lure Benitez to the King Power Stadium, according to the Northern Echo, but have since appointed Brendan Rodgers as Claude Puel’s successor.
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