Rafa still in Toon
RAFA BENITEZ is staying at Newcastle and will be handed a significant summer war chest to rebuild for life in the Premier League. Benitez, below, confirmed his ‘Rafalution’ is set to gather pace after talks with the club’s owner, Mike Ashley. Benitez, 57, will have a kitty of up to £100million to add to his promotion-winning squad. He said: “I’m pleased with how the meeting went and the positive approach we are all taking together to build on what we have started this season.” After talks lasting more than four hours yesterday, Ashley said: “I’ve confirmed to Rafa that he can have every last penny the club
generates through promotion, player sales and other means in order to build for next season.”
Benitez will also maintain wide-ranging powers to guide the club’s transfer policy and youth development as he looks to leave a lasting mark at St James’ Park.
He signed a threeyear contract last May but was left to consider his future after Ashley failed to back him in the January transfer window. The pair, though, appear to have ironed out their differences as they look to re-establish the club in the big time.
And the speed with which they have come to an agreement will cheer fans who had expected a fraught spell of close-season politics.
Benitez warned the hard work has only just begun after leading Newcastle back into the top flight at the first time of asking.
They clinched the title on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Barnsley after rivals Brighton failed to beat Aston Villa.
Benitez said: “There will be challenges ahead of course, the summer will not be easy.
“But the work has been going on for some time and we can now continue positively with the development of the squad ahead of the new season.
“I wish fans an enjoyable summer.”
The news that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss has received the assurances which he was looking for will be music to the ears of the Toon Army. More than £40m was spent on new players last summer as Newcastle assembled one of the most expensive squads in Championship history, although almost £70m was recouped from player sales.
The club have already been linked with a bewildering list of potential summer targets in the weeks since securing their return to the top flight, and there could be a rapid turnaround of players as Benitez revamps his squad.