Jermaine Jenas claims Rafa Benitez will stay at Newcastle United if he is given reported £100m transfer kitty

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Newcastle United recorded a deserved home win against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

BBC Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas has suggested that Rafa Benitez will stay at Newcastle United if the rumours are true that he will have a healthy transfer kitty in the summer.

The Chronicle claims that Benitez, whose contract at St James’ Park runs out in the summer, will have between £90-100 million to spend when the transfer window re-opens.

If that is the case then it could potentially be a big boost for the Toon Army faithful who would not doubt be desperate to see their manager stay on at the club.

Speaking to Football Focus on BBC One (20/04/2019 at 12:25 pm), Jenas shares his thoughts on those rumours and what it means for Benitez’s future.

“What £100 million to spend? I think it will do [keep him at the club],” Jenas told Football Focus. “I think they will like that he [Benitez] is forcing the issue [with his comments].

“It’s all there at Newcastle. I was fortunate to play for that amazing football club. Fans are there. The stadium is unreal. It just needs that little bit more and that it’s all asking for. Just to take it to that new level and to be able to compete. Rather than survive to give me the ability to go and compete. If he doesn’t get it that is the worry. But if he does get it [the £100m), it’s another thing for Rafa to get his teeth into and enjoy.

“I do think the wording is starting to be a bit more positive from Rafa. It’s a similar story, but it’s a little bit more specific each year. I don’t know whether it leans me towards he’s been told something a bit more positive.”

On Saturday, Benitez watched on as Newcastle secured a deserved 3-1 win over Southampton in the Premier League with Ayoze Perez netting a hat-trick.

It was a deserved three points for the home team who have all but confirmed their status in England’s top-flight for another campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Benitez will be part of the Newcastle set-up next term, but there is no doubt that the supporters would want him to stay on given the job he has done in the North East for the past three years.