Martin Dubravka’s transfer from Sparta Prague to Newcastle United is reportedly in doubt as Rafa Benitez’s contract talks stall.
Newcastle United are once again struggling in the transfer market as negotiations for a new contract for manager Rafa Benitez stall.
Benitez is currently in talks with managing director Lee Charnley about a new deal – with the current one expiring in 2019 – but as the Chronicle reports, interest from West Ham United in the Spaniard is holding things up.
The Hammers have made the 58-year-old one of their top candidates to succeed David Moyes after the Scot left the London Stadium on Tuesday (May 15).
Benitez wants to be given assurances about exactly what he will have to spend on new players this summer before putting pen to paper and a lack of clarity concerning that means a new contract being signed isn’t close to happening.
This in turn is delaying any incoming signings at St James’ Park, most prominently the expected £4m purchase of Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague.
Dubravka has impressed on loan with the Magpies after joining in January and the club were expected to take up the option of making the goalkeeper’s move permanent.
However, with Benitez’s own future with Newcastle still unresolved that deal, and negotiations for any others with the window having opened on Thursday (May 17), have had to be put on hold.
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