Martin Dubravka is desperate for Rafa Benitez to stay at Newcastle.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has told The Telegraph that he is desperate for Rafa Benitez to remain as manager at St. James’ Park – and wants owner Mike Ashley to work with him.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper remains on loan on Tyneside from Sparta Prague and has starred between the sticks, instantly becoming a hero with a man-of-the-match display during Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
He has continued his excellent start to life with three clean sheets in his six Newcastle appearances, proving crucial in the Toon’s climb to 10th position in the Premier League table.
In an exclusive interview with the Telegraph, Dubravka urged Ashley to back Benitez ahead of the summer transfer window and believes it is imperative that the former Real Madrid manager remains in the north east.
“This a club that deserves to be higher, to be in Europe again, but we have to take small steps,” Dubrvaka said. “We need the manager to stay, he is the boss, he is the most important person.
“The manager and the owner, they have to work together and get Newcastle back to the level they should be at.”
The Evening Chronicle claim Newcastle can complete a permanent deal to sign Slovenia international for just £4million, a price tag believed by many fans to be a bargain.
Benitez has just one more year remaining on his current deal at Newcastle, and fans will be desperate for the ex-Liverpool manager to extend such a deal.
But Benitez is only likely to sign a new deal if he is not frustrated in the upcoming transfer window, with the Spaniard likely to want to address a number of areas in his squad such as a new striker.
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