Newcastle United have had to fend off interest in Rafael Benitez already this summer.

Benitez’s future is currently up in the air, with the Spanish boss making no secret of his desire to invest in the Magpies’ squad.
Benitez wants assurances over his transfer budget, as he looks to bring quality to St. James’ Park.

And the Mirror claim that Mike Ashley will offer Benitez funds this summer, as Newcastle look to keep him around.
West Ham United were strongly linked with a move for the Newcastle boss, but Ashley realises how disastrous losing Benitez would be.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool manager is hugely popular on Tyneside, and he has performed a remarkable job so far.

Benitez guided Newcastle to promotion from the Championship, before steering them to a 10th place finish in the Premier League in their first season back at the top level.
There is a realisation that Newcastle will need to add more quality if they are to improve on that placement next time around though.
And the Mirror claim that Benitez will be given the funds he is wanted to keep him at the club.
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