Newcastle United pair Yoan Gouffran’s and Vurnon Anita’s current deals at St. James’ Park expire at the end of the season.
According to a report on the Northern Echo, Rafael Benitez has decided that he wants to keep both Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita at Newcastle United.
The experienced pair’s contracts are both set to expire at the end of the current season, but Benitez is keen to tie them down for the long-term.
Although the Spanish boss does not want Newcastle to overspend on keeping the duo, he is keen to offer them the chance to stay at St. James’ Park.
Benitez has reportedly been impressed by Anita’s professionalism this season, while Gouffran has had a productive campaign at Championship level.
The news comes as a slight surprise, as both players have struggled while playing at the top level for Newcastle.
Both Anita and Gouffran were two of Newcastle’s biggest under-performers last campaign, when the Tynesiders dropped out of the Premier League.
And some Newcastle fans have suggested that both Anita and Gouffran should be discarded if they do achieve promotion this season.
Newcastle are currently sat on top of the Championship table, with their next match coming against Birmingham City at the weekend.
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