Rafa Benitez challenges Mike Ashley after being offered 'five-year deal' at NUFC - Report
According to the Mirror, Rafa Benitez has challenged Mike Ashley to show ambition and break our 13-year old transfer record this summer before he'll even consider signing a new deal at the club.
John Richardson's piece claims that the Spaniard has been offered a five-year deal at the club - with him now entering the final 12 months of his current contract - however he doesn't look likely to sign that anytime soon unless Ashley pulls his finger out.
The story states that Rafa 'cancelled' his summer holiday to secure several new signings before pre-season, however it sounds like he's been left a little disappointed - with us only spending £4m to bring in Dubravka and Ki thus far.
Here's a snippet from the Mirror's piece:
Rafa Benitez wants Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley to smash the club’s long standing transfer record before he agrees to sign a new five-year contract.
Benitez has sacrificed a summer holiday to remain in this country and try and push through a number of deals to try and avoid a repeat of last season’s battle against relegation.
I see what this piece is getting at - Ashley need to show ambition for Benitez to sign a new deal - however there's much more to it than us just spending over £16m on a single player.
Benitez needs control, consistent backing - a certain level of trust needs to be regained. He needs to feel as though Ashley actually has a genuine plan in place (or is able to sanction one) that allows us to actually compete again.
With 30 days left until the window slams shut, let's hope Rafa ends the summer in far better fettle than he may be in right now.
