Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is set to continue talks over his future at the club into the weekend as at least one sticking point arises in negotiations, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Spaniard met with the club officials on Thursday and Friday (17 May) to hold extended discussions over extending his stay at St James’ Park, his current contract set to come to an end this summer.
However it is stated that talks will continue over the next couple of days, with the Magpies’ transfer policy, owner Mike Ashley wanting to sign players 24 and younger for the best profitability, while Benitez wants some flexibility over the age of new arrivals.
Opinion
What we have here is a clash of ideologies between two people who know their respective industries incredibly well. Ashley is all about business and profit and in his eyes signing young players, improving them and selling them on is the best way to run the football club. On the other hand, Benitez wants success on the football pitch, not the financial records, and he knows the importance of having experience among the squad as well as pure talent. Seeing as only one of these men has won a Champions League trophy, you know who the fans are backing here but for as long as Ashley remains in charge, it is his money running the club. While neither would like it, there needs to be some compromise between the two parties for these talks to be successful. While Benitez seems to be willing to bend for Ashley, the owner seems stuck in his ways. Fingers crossed for the Toon Army over the coming days – it could make or break their future.