SILVA ZOUMS IN TO GRAB KURT LOAN
SKIPPER LASCELLES: MAGPIES CHIEFS MUST GIVE RAFA WHATEVER HE WANTS
MIKE ASHLEY delivered a sensational public slap down to Rafa Benitez’s demand for a training ground revamp.
Ashley was responding to a Parliamentary petition criticising his ownership, tabled by Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah.
His letter to MPs defending his running of the club is likely to end any chance of Benitez staying at Newcastle beyond this season.
Ashley said: “Our training facilities have greatly improved during my tenure.
“They are fit for purpose, and very clearly do not have a negative impact on performance, given we secured a place in the top 10 of the Premier League last season.”
Ashley also accused Onwurah of presenting a “wholly inaccurate” picture of his ownership.
He also recognised Benitez as a “world class manager”, and says his cash continues to support Newcastle – with his current loan to the club standing at £144million. EVERTON are hoping Kurt Zouma will help solve their defensive problems.
The Toffees are increasingly confident of landing the French centreback (below) on loan from Chelsea for the season. Boss Marco Silva is determined to bring in defenders ahead of tomorrow’s deadline and is targeting Zouma, 23, who spent last season on loan at Stoke. He has just Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane available, while Mason Holgate has been injured during pre-season.
Silva has allowed Ashley Williams to move to Stoke on loan and let Ramiro Funes Mori join Villarreal, leaving him desperate to bring in new faces.
Everton have also discussed moves for Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo and Barcelona’s Yerry Mina.