Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is to put contract talks on hold until the end of the transfer window, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that the Spaniard will now assess the club’s performance in the remaining days of the summer window before he enters further talks with the club hierarchy.
The Chronicle claim that it would take a significant U-turn from bosses on certain requests for Benitez to put pen to paper on a fresh contract prior to the start of the season.
OPINION
It is not a surprise to hear that Benitez has essentially given up on contract talks for now. With less than 20 days to go in the transfer window the club need to put their focus on recruitment, and nothing else. Talks seem to have reached an impasse, with the club wanting Benitez to sign before being handed funds, while the manager sees the situation in reverse. It is fair to say that the vast majority of fans will be on the side of Benitez, who clearly wants to remain at the club. The failure of club bosses to secure his future early in the window before capitalising on their success last season is criminal, and a takeover cannot come soon enough for the Magpies. If this farcical situation leads to Benitez walking away at some point then this would be one of the worst moments in the club’s recent history.