RAFA: I’LL STAY IN TOON

PREMIER LEAGUE No quitting club if takeover fails

RAFA BENITEZ will not walk away from Newcastle if takeover talks collapse.

The Toon chief is keen for Amanda Staveley’s PCP Partners Group to strike a deal with Mike Ashley, who claims he has not got the funds to match the ambitions of Benitez.

But Benitez insists the success or otherwise of the bid will not determine his future at St James’ Park.

Asked if he envisaged staying put if a buyout doesn’t materialise and Ashley remained at the helm, the Spaniard said: “I think so.

Challenge

“I am quite happy with this group of players. They are improving and learning.

“I don’t see any difficult things now. I was disappointed (in the summer) yes, but still, it’s a challenge.”

The Magpies face Watford at home today bidding to avoid a fourth successive defeat.

Despite the dip on the pitch and uncertainty off it, Benitez remains committed to his Toon project.

He openly admits Ashley’s failure to provide the finances means that a season he hoped would see Newcastle challenging for a top-10 finish is now all about survival.

Benitez is being kept informed of ® developments relating to Staveley’s bid after the initial offer fell well short of Ashley’s £380m valuation.

He said: “I understand why I am being asked but I do not have the answers. At the moment, we do not know what will happen so we have to carry on doing the same things.

“What can I do? Nothing. So I have to make sure the team is focused and concentrating on the football.”

Even if new owners are installed by the New Year, Benitez is not expecting a cash windfall for when the transfer window re-opens because of financial fair play rules.

He added: “I don’t know the figures of the club. But it is not as if you can say we will have £100m. No chance.

“What we know is that we will not have too much money.

“Even if it is a new ownership the figures could be very similar, and January will not change things too much.”