Crunch talks between Newcastle United and manager Rafael Benitez have caused an impasse which is threatening to derail the club’s summer plans, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their live blog (07/06, 08:36) that although crucial negotiations over the Spaniard’s future are ongoing, the ultimatums on the table from each party mean they now face a standstill without compromise.
It is stated that Newcastle are not willing to commit to providing Benitez funds to spend in the transfer window before he puts pen to paper over a new deal, his current contract expiring next summer, but that the Spanish boss is unwilling to sign without the promise of the club taking action over his list of demands.
With Mike Ashley’s right hand man Lee Charnley away for the Premier League’s AGM, it is stated there will be no immediate movement in discussions, which are threatening to seriously harm the club’s hopes in the transfer market.
Opinion
So this is what happens when a rock meets a hard place. Benitez is known for his stubborn nature, the Spaniard knowing exactly what he wants, why he wants it and how to get it – a manner which has not let him down during his career in the dugout. On the other hand, you have Ashley, the penny pinching Sports Direct chief who wants everything done on as tight a budget as possible, with money his one and only goal. With Benitez wanting his cash, and Ashley wanting to save as much as possible, it was almost inevitable that talks would come to this point. Newcastle know that Benitez is their biggest asset and hanging that carrot of potential transfer funds in a bid to get him to pen a new deal is an understandable ploy. However, Benitez is a proud man and will not be committing himself if his desires are not matched by the board. Someone will have to give way at some point, but for now, the two sides are steadfast.