OPINION
The future of Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is up in the air and it all comes down to one man; Mike Ashley.
The Sports Direct owner, who is also the man who is in charge of the Magpies, is the one with the money in his pockets that the Spanish boss wants so desperately in order to improve his side and give the Newcastle faithful the success that they so desire.
Unfortunately for Benitez and the Toon Army, Ashley’s hands are plunged firmly into his pockets, and there are no signs that they are coming out any time soon.
The fact the manager’s contract runs out in 12 months has fans feeling filled with angst, and there would be citywide demonstrations were he to be allowed to leave without the Magpies putting up a fight.
Obviously it is more than just putting pen to paper and Benitez will want guarantees over the direction of the club before committing his long term future on Tyneside – but if reports are to be believed, then Ashley might well avoid having a heart attack over what he is asking for.
The Chronicle claim that a £50million transfer kitty will be the Spaniard’s main demand, and that could be the only tripping point.
However, his requests for improved training facilities, a transformation of the academy set up, increased scouting and a new approach to transfers should be easy for Ashley to say yes to, which gives the club a huge boost in keeping their man this summer.
Newcastle need stability now more than ever, and getting Benitez to tie himself down to a future at St James’ Park would be a huge step on the way to that.