NEW BONUS DEAL ENDS TOON ROW

NEWCASTLE players have settled their bonus dispute with owner Mike Ashley.

They had been refusing to co-operate with the media in protest, but yesterday filmed walk-up shots for TV companies.

The peace deal ended a difficult few days for Rafa Benitez (below), and allows the Toon boss and his squad to focus on Saturday’s opener against Tottenham.

The players were unhappy with what Ashley (above) was offering and now have a potential multi-million pound package in place.

Last season they shared £4million, plus £1m for every place above 17th, with a £20m pot on offer for winning the FA Cup.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles said: “We’ve managed to sort out the off-field stuff. With that out of the way there is no reason why we can’t go out and put in a good performance.

“We know where we stand.

“No one’s moaning, no one’s upset and now it’s just about gelling even more, working hard, getting a good energy around the club and the training ground – and doing what we do best which is working hard and playing as team. “We finished tenth last season and have made good signings.”

Magpies defender Florian Lejeune has had a “successful” operation to repair a cruciate ligament injured in training but will still be out for months recuperating.