Newcastle United could have £72million to spend in the summer as well as money earned from player sales, according to the Newcastle Chronicle.
The newspaper says claims talks conducted between Magpies owner Mike Ashley and manager Rafael Benitez have – to this point – been productive and one of the aspects discussed between the pair was the club’s summer budget.
Journalist Lee Ryder adds says that £61million could be given to Benitez if he stays on at the helm, as well as £11million that was not spent during the winter window and any money made from player sales.
It is also stated in the report, however, that despite potentially handing Benitez £61million, Ashley would be unwilling to allow Benitez to splurge the cash on several players without ratifying exits from the club alongside the investments.
OPINION
It is going to be one interesting summer for Newcastle United, possibly the biggest in a number of seasons. There are so many things that could happen, and it all depends on one thing: the future of Benitez at St James’ Park. He is the key man in all of this, and if the Spaniard leaves ahead of next season, all the plans the Magpies have could all go to waste. For one, the hopes of Newcastle signing striker Salomon Rondon on a permanent deal from West Brom are almost certainly dependent on Benitez staying, as is the future of Ayoze Perez. Next, there is Sean Longstaff. There have been reports that Manchester United are keen on the 21-year-old, and you can bet that if the manager goes, his future at St James’ Park will be thrown into serious doubt. It’s going to be a nervous couple of days – maybe even a week or so – for Newcastle fans as they wait to hear the outcome of talks between Benitez and Ashley, and they will all be hoping that they end on a positive note.