OPINION
If there is one thing that Newcastle United fans could wish for right now, it would be for manager Rafael Benitez to commit his long-term future at St James’ Park.
Yes, some might argue that getting rid of owner Mike Ashley is more important for the club and while it is a valid argument, the Spaniard is the biggest game changer on Tyneside right now, having worked his magic to pull off an astounding 10th place finish last season.
His experience and quality in the dugout is among the very best in the business, and were he to leave, there is no chance Newcastle could bring another coach of his calibre in – which is why his future is so important.
As such, the board at Newcastle will be sweating for the next couple of days if reports are to be believed.
The Express claim that Russian Premier League side Zenit St Petersburg have offered the former Liverpool man a surprise opportunity to take the helm at the club and, which will come as a huge shock to many, that he has not turned down their approach.
Benitez has always spoken about his desire to keep managing in England and so a move to the western border of Russia seems massively unlikely – but if that is the case, why has he not rebuffed their advances?
The logical reason seems to be to make the top brass on Tyneside fear his exit over reported contract discussions, with his current deal expiring next summer.
Having an offer on the table, from a side known to splash the cash no less, puts real pressure on Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley to bow to his demands.
The report states that the Russian side are set to make a decision over their future boss on Friday, meaning that those in the boardroom at Newcastle have a couple more days to feel the heat as pressure builds over getting pen to paper for Benitez.