OPINION
The January window has been open for almost a week and there is no sign of any signings being imminent at Newcastle United despite the obvious need for business to be done early. Manager Rafa Benitez has continually refused to discuss the transfer window with the press, who have now made a new claim about what is going on behind the scenes at St. James’ Park. According to The Times, owner Mike Ashley has now offered Benitez a one-year extension to his current deal in an attempt to end this January impasse. It is said that funds will be released for Benitez to spend if he signs the deal, with Ashley obviously worried about spending while a takeover is being mooted. It remains to be seen whether Benitez would sign such an extension, with the Spaniard refusing to commit previously due to the club’s failure to back him in the market. And, instead of urging Benitez to sign the deal, many Newcastle fans have instead reacted by calling on him to reject it and slamming Ashley, illustrating just how deep their hatred of the owner goes.
This is Futbol have rounded up some of the best tweets below.
Don’t sign Rafa . The money is already allocated to Ashley next purchase (American Golf, HMV, Debenhams?)
— guy young (@geordie2006) January 6, 2019
Back him every once in a while and there wouldn’t be a stand off in the first place. Trust has gone. Don’t sign it Rafa, you deserve better.
— Liam (@ldabbs89) January 6, 2019
Making transfers sorts out the transfer window stand off, not Rafa signing a contract
— James (@jamesdrob) January 6, 2019
I hope he tells them to ram it. They’ve took the piss like they did with Keegan.
— David Seddon (@davyseddon) January 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/Angry_Hutch/status/1081841331784351745
This regime are going to use Rafa's refuses new contract as the reason the Takeover collapses, " Not our fault" same tactics they tried to ambush Keegan with
— Bill not William (@BillWal07413537) January 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/Paulhavelock983/status/1081848892663259142
He should make sure a walk out clause is in there. That if a certain amount isn't made available to him during the jan and summer window he can leave
— Lee Anderson (@RealLeeAnderson) January 6, 2019
Yet gave pardew a 7 year contract…Dream scenario, new owners come in next two weeks, sign rafa up for next few years, give him transfer money for this window, Mike Ashley and his brand never to be seen again near a football club.
— Tim Clarke (@Tim_JC) January 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/GazzyGlasshandz/status/1081846181863587841