Benitez: Sale is no big deal

RAFA BENITEZ says he will not walk out on Newcastle United if the club’s proposed takeover falls through. The manager has a strained relationship with owner Mike Ashley, who is in negotiations with financier Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners, a Middle East and Chinese investment fund. Their opening offer fell short of Ashley’s £380million valuation and a deal looks unlikely to be completed any time soon. Benitez was asked if he would still be in charge this time next year if Ashley was unable to sell. ‘I think so,’ the Spaniard said ahead of today’s visit of Watford. ‘I’m happy with this group of players, they’re improving, they’re learning. Was I disappointed after the lack of investment in the summer? Yes, but this is still a challenge for me.’ Benitez warned supporters that he will not have a significant increase in transfer funds when the club is sold. He said: ‘Financial Fair Play rules do not allow you to spend massive money. If we have a change in ownership it will not make a big difference. ‘We will not have too much money if it’s a new ownership and, if it’s the same ownership, the figures could be very similar.’