PSG are ready to offer Rafa Benitez an escape route from St. James’ Park after contract talks between the Newcastle United manager and the club’s board stalled, according to the Mirror.
The Spaniard’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he is yet to agree terms on an extension, but could be offered a move by the French champions.
Current PSG boss Thomas Tuchel’s future could be in jeopardy after the club’s last 16 Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United earlier this season, and it is understood that Benitez’ experience winning that competition could be a draw for the European giants.
It is also believed that Marseille hold an interest in Benitez.
OPINION
This is just about every Toon fan’s worst nightmare. They want to keep Rafa at all costs, for obvious reasons, but how are they expected to compete with a Champions League giant funded by a Qatari billionaire when it comes to securing Benitez’s future? The Spaniard has made it very clear that he wants backing in the transfer market on Tyneside, and if there is one thing he would get in Paris, it would be all the funds he could ever want. That being said, Benitez clearly has a strong affinity with the Toon Army, and you get the impression that he would rather stay as go. That would make his exit twice as galling if it did happen, however. Knowing that Mike Ashley had the opportunity to tie down the best manager the club has had since Sir Bobby Robson, and knowing that he squandered it, would probably lead to open mutiny at St. James’ Park. There would be ugly scenes indeed.