Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has his full attention on the summer transfer window after West Ham chose not to activate the release clause in his contract as they seek a new boss, according to a report.
The Chronicle claimed on their website that despite the strong claims that the Hammers were keen on taking the Spaniard to east London and had named him their number one replacement for David Moyes, their efforts were less serious and they did not try and prise him away by making use of the £6million terms which could have secured his exit.
As a result, he is set to remain at Newcastle and has a detailed list of potential transfer targets in a bid to strengthen the side, with a triple swoop for a full back, a new winger and a centre forward said to be his priorities.
Opinion
West Ham certainly seemed keen on taking Benitez to the London Stadium and it would be interesting to know what it was exactly that put them off making a move. The £6million release clause certainly makes it easy for sides to poach the Spaniard from under Newcastle’s nose but at the same time it is a hefty commitment to make there and then, and it could be that it did its job and helped ward off the Hammers’ interest. It certainly does not seem to have affected Benitez’s job at St James’ Park for he seems to be doing all he can to try and strengthen his side early on in the window, bringing a long list of names to the table. However, with Mike Ashley in charge the Spaniard may well have to work on what is available in terms of price rather than talent, for the purse strings will still be tight for as long as the Sports Direct owner is in charge. The three areas he has picked out have all been areas of weakness at times over the last 12 months and those must be the priorities – although he will also be looking out for bargains anywhere across the pitch this summer.