Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has been locked in negotiations over his contract in recent weeks.
Benitez has just weeks remaining on his current deal at St. James’ Park, and all discussions have been finished with the Newcastle board over staying on.
Benitez is currently weighing up whether the offer made to him is good enough to keep him at Newcastle.
The Spanish boss has not come to a decision, but Ashley is said feel confident about Benitez staying on.
The Newcastle owner thinks that Benitez will pen a new deal, and hasn’t even started looking at replacements yet.
That could be a risky strategy for Newcastle to take, as if Benitez does leave now, it will leave them on the back foot heading into the new season.
However, Newcastle fans should surely be encouraged by Ashley’s confidence, as he is the best placed person to gauge whether Benitez will stay.
If the Spaniard does stick around it will be a major boost for the Magpies, and considering the Northern Echo claims he will be handed a £60 million transfer budget, it could be an exciting summer on Tyneside.
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