ASH GETS BENITEZ TO THE TABLE
MIKE ASHLEY took Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle squad out to dinner last night for a bonding knees-up.
The pair arrived at an Italian restaurant in Ponteland, Northumberland, as club owner Ashley offered an olive branch.
Ashley and Benitez (right) had met only four times before, the last one five months ago. But after personally watching the team struggle in the last two matches, Ashley made the invitation.
Benitez has said he is happy to meet Ashley and talk through his demands before signing a new deal. His contract expires in June.
Benitez has been at loggerheads with United chiefs over the summer transfer spending when they made a £20million profit.