Rafa Benitez has revealed that he knew that Amanda Staveley and her PCP Capital Partners’ attempted takeover of Newcastle United wasn’t happening two or three weeks ago.
The Magpies manager revealed in his press conference ahead of the Manchester City game, that Mike Ashley made him aware of the news ahead of time, and shared what that meant for potential transfers in January.
“Mike Ashley told me the takeover (with PCP) would not go through, that was 2-3 weeks ago,” admitted Benitez, as quoted by Chronicle Live.
“But he told me we would work together to try & get players in the transfer window, we have targets & we are trying to progress.”
The Telegraph broke the news on Tuesday, that Staveley was no longer seen as credible buyer by Ashley.
The Spanish manager continued referring to his chat with Ashley, and acknowledged that it was a positive exchange.
“He has the names and targets & he told me he would try to do something,” said Benitez
“We are looking to bring in anyone who is good enough to improve us, permanent or loan, it was positive.”
OPINION
It’s interesting to discover that Benitez knew about the takeover falling through ahead of time, and it implies a good working relationship with Ashley at the very least. As for his transfer update, the Magpies manager is as vague as ever. While it’s nice to hear that Ashley has informed him, that he will try and sign Benitez’s targets, until something happens, fans will still have their doubts. With the takeover collapse causing the mood to drop among Magpies supporters, their spirits could soon be lifted with a promising signing. Then again a bigger boost would be the Magpies beating Manchester City on Saturday, but that seems unlikely to happen.