North-East reporter reveals the 'official line' on Benitez's NUFC future - Shares the 'inside story'

According to The Mirror's Simon Bird, the club still want Rafa Benitez to sign a new deal and remain as manager in the long term, however there is currently 'little to no hope' of that happening - even if Ashley spends money in January.

If this is true, it seems clearer than ever that only one thing can save us and Benitez now - and that's a takeover.

It's not surprise really to here that Rafa may not sign a new deal even if money was spent in January. Why would one desperate attempt to salvage the mess Ashley's made convince Benitez that he's a changed man?

If he spends in January, it'll be as a last resort as he fears relegation and NOT because he's ready to start showing ambition now.

Here's what the North-East reporter has had to say in his latest piece for The Mirror, providing a grim update on Rafa's future:

"The official line is that Newcastle still want Benitez to be boss long term, and to sign a new deal. There is currently little - probably no - hope of that happening, even if they spend in January.

"So Newcastle would be foolish not to be thinking ahead at what happens next, whether that be in the summer, or before."

The last line perhaps explains where the Brendan Rodgers rumours have come from. Is Ashley now considering his options with the belief that Benitez is on his way no matter what next summer?

Although a real minority may want Rafa out after seeing us lose 11 of our last 14, Benitez has been that glimmer of hope that so many of us have held onto for over two years now.

He has his faults (who wouldn't when their hands are tied), but losing him would leave us in a turmoil once again.

Only a takeover can save us now.