Rafa Benitez was approached by both Marseille and Roma over potential moves this summer, but has told them that his “main priority” is to sign a new deal with Newcastle United, according to the Chronicle.
The Spaniard is yet to agree a new deal with the Magpies, but is understood to have made his intentions very clear in the face of interest from the continent.
Discussions between Benitez and the board remain ongoing, but it is believed that both parties are eager to come to an agreement that would see his contract extended beyond it’s current expiration date at the end of June.
OPINION
This is brilliant news for Newcastle fans. The way these talks are progressing, every little update must be taken as a win for a fanbase that is waiting with bated breath. Marseille and Roma are big clubs, make no mistake, and the fact that Rafa has so willingly turned his nose up at them would suggest that he is really very keen to stay on at St. James’ Park. You would assume that the board are eager for that to happen as well, and surely the fact that both parties are hoping to achieve the same thing can only be a positive for the Toon Army. Benitez is no fool. He will know that, given the right level of backing, he could turn Newcastle into a side capable of measuring up to the likes of Marseille and Roma. He will also know that that kind of support is unlikely to be forthcoming. If he can get some kind of assurance that he will be handed even a small proportion of that sort of budget, however, then he will surely agree to stay.