Contract situation, cut-price deal
With just 12 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are willing to let the former Marseille, Nice and Lyon forward leave on the cheap.
Conte will be fully aware that owner Roman Abramovich stumped up £8.5million for him three years ago, but losing him on a free next summer will also be on the Italian’s mind and raking in around £3million would be worth a sale.
Newcastle chief Mike Ashley is known for his negotiating and he will look to secure the best value deal for Benitez in order to keep as much of the transfer budget as possible for future deals this summer.