OPINION
Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has reportedly begun planning for the January transfer window, and the Toon Army may well take heart from the news.
As reported by the Chronicle, the Newcastle manager has already held talks with head of recruitment Steve Nickson as he looks to address some big gaps in his squad once the window rolls around.
The regional newspaper report that Benitez has identified three signings as crucial for the clubs hopes: a striker, a midfielder and a left-back.
Benitez has even reportedly begun making enquiries over potential overseas loans as he prepares to operate on a shoestring budget once again.
There is no doubt that this is good news for Newcastle as Benitez looks to recreate their successful January window last season, but fans unfortunately must not read too much into this.
Many will be tempted to believe that this could mean that Benitez is planning on staying at the club beyond the end of his contract next summer, but that would be jumping to conclusions.
The Spaniard is a consummate professional, a manager who has never shirked from a challenge and never walked away from any club in his career.
The 58-year-old also loves Newcastle United, and will be keen to do all he can to ensure the club retain their Premier League status, even if he is not in charge beyond the summer.
While he will obviously be putting himself in a better position by doing this should he stay on, this early planning for January does not necessarily mean that he is intending on staying at the club.
Newcastle fans will only be setting themselves up for disappointment next summer by reading too much into these moves, and they must postpone their celebrations until Benitez’s future becomes clear.