Rafa’s still at wor with Toon
RAFA BENITEZ is in a stand-off with Newcastle over a new contract and transfer budgets.
The Toon boss will not sign a fiveyear offer tabled by owner Mike Ashley until significant funds are available to buy players and invest in the academy.
But Ashley will only do that if Benitez first commits to St James’ Park longterm. The deadlock is threatening prospects for next season.
Benitez (left) yesterday said he wanted to “stay at Newcastle for five years”, but is entering the final 10 months of his £5million-a-year deal.
And unless someone blinks, it could