Rafa Benitez has learned that he might need to sell before he makes signings this summer if he remains in charge of Newcastle, according to the Chronicle.
The outlet report that talks between Benitez and the Magpies’ board have come to a close and that the Spaniard is contemplating whether to sign a new deal at St James’ Park, with the club thought to be offering him a transfer budget of around £61million.
However, it is believed that Benitez could be forced to sell the likes of Joselu, Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey to boost the Magpies transfer funds to a level closer to that of their Premier League rivals.
It is also thought that there will not be any changes to Newcastle’s transfer policy, with Benitez still required to make a case for every signing and then wait for Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley to make a decision on whether to proceed with a move.
The Spaniard will still have the final say on deals but was wanting to arrange a quicker process.
OPINION
This latest report could be a damaging one for Newcastle’s hopes of securing the services of Benitez for next season, with the Spaniard once again likely to be given a budget that is around half the size of other Premier clubs. Also, Newcastle’s approach to transfers appears to be remaining largely the same, which is something that Benitez was believed to be wanting to change to make it easier for him to complete deals in the transfer market. That could make it very difficult for Benitez, who is thought to contemplating his decision to remain at the club or leave this summer, and the Spaniard might decide it is best to walk away and move to a side capable of giving him the backing he wants. It will be very interesting to see whether Benitez does decide to remain at Newcastle this summer, but those chances appear to have been slightly worsened by this report.