NEW RAFA DEAL
the club. Ashley wants a decision from his manager in the next six weeks with Benitez only having six months left on his contract.
The multi-millionaire Toon owner and Benitez were locked in a stand-off over MLS star Almiron.
Ashley woud not sanction a move until the boss signed a new deal, while Benitez was refusing to consider increasing his stay on Tyneside until Newcastle delivered the players he wanted.
But a phone call last week with one of Ashley’s aides changed the landscape.
Newcastle then went out and smashed the club’s long-standing record transfer – the 2005 £16m capture of Michael Owen.
Ashley also rubber stamped a loan move for Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca.
Originally there was talk of a five-year deal for Benitez, but now Ashley is offering a compromise three-year contract complete with lucrative bonuses and with the promise of more signings in the summer.
Ashley knows there are a number of clubs from home and abroad ready to move in for Benitez, who is adored by the Newcastle fans.
Now he hopes that he has done enough to turn the tide and keep the Spaniard on Tyneside.
Benitez has been at St James’ Park since March 2016.