COVENTRY CLOSE TO RICOH DEAL
Rafa: We may have to pay top dollar but stars should be drawn to Toon.. it’s a wonderful place to live
RAFA BENITEZ has told foreign stars wanting to live and play in London: You’re better off up North.
The Newcastle chief reckons the Geordies have to pay a premium to attract stars whose families see London as a better base to settle.
But Benitez said: “I think the conditions here are fine and the city is fine.
“When you talk with our players, the families are happy – even better than in London.
“To sell that idea, you have to add something more.
“Sometimes it’s wages, sometimes it’s a transfer fee or whatever.
“If you want to compete against these teams, you have to do things in the best way possible.”
Benitez was echoing former Sunderland boss Roy Keane, who famously ranted that he was sick of WAGS dictating who their partners should sign for, based on shopping opportunities.
Newcastle players say they enjoy the beaches, countryside, compact city centre and lack of bad traffic as they go about their business.
They can also fly anywhere in Europe from a no-hassle airport.
On his budget, Benitez said: “Teams are spending more money, so if you want to compete against teams between seventh and 12th, how much money have they spent?
“Around £100million all of them and, with the wages that they pay, if you want to compete with them, you have to maximise what you’ve got.
“I don’t say you have to spend £200m, but you have to do things in a way where you can really compete when you go to the market.”
Benitez is being lured by the chance to spend £100m – plus cash raised by sales – over the next two seasons, based on landing two top-quality stars to go straight into the first team.
He may need a bigger rejig in midfield if Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Isaac Hayden all go.
Benitez added: “I’m sure some players want to do well to stay here in the Premier League in a good position.
“Some, if they’re finishing contracts or on loan, they’ll say, ‘If I play well now, someone will see and it will be easier to get another contract at another club’.”
Managing director Lee Charnley is said to be concentrating on keeping Benitez.
And AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso says that rumours Newcastle have tapped him up for the manager’s job, are “unfounded”.
Lyon boss Bruno Genesio is said to be available, with United contacted by agents offering their clients to replace Benitez. COVENTRY are closing in on a deal for a new lease at the Ricoh Arena to avoid being made homeless and chucked out of the Football League.
Today’s EGM to discuss the Sky Blues’ crisis has been postponed until May 29. Team boss Mark Robins (right) and his men are playing under increasing uncertainty.
But a statement from the League One club said: “We want to conclude this matter as soon as possible, with the continued aim of Coventry playing at the Ricoh Arena.”
Owners Sisu, the London-based hedge fund, have reopened dialogue with Ricoh landlords Wasps, the rugby club, after losing a legal battle over the ground. DERBY manager Frank Lampard has been charged with misconduct by the FA as a result of his behaviour after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham.
Lampard confronted referee Simon Hooper on the pitch at full-time (above) and said, in his post-match press conference, he felt the official had denied his side a clear penalty in the 74th minute.
“It is alleged his language and/or behaviour on the field of play after the conclusion of the fixture amounts to improper conduct,” said a statement from the FA.
The ex-Chelsea and England star has until 6pm on Monday to respond.