Ashley: I’ll flash cash in summer

NEWCASTLE owner Mike Ashley has told boss Rafa Benitez: “Judge me in the summer.”

The Spaniard was furious after the club failed to sign any of his January window targets, including their former winger Andros Townsend.

But a St James’ Park insider told Sunday Mirror Sport that Ashley is committed to buying big this summer, if Newcastle win promotion back to the Premier League.

The Newcastle hierarchy are disappointed at Benitez going public over their handling of the January window.

They felt it was bad business to bring in top players in January, who would probably end up being sold at a loss in the summer if Toon stay in the Championship – and they insist the manager was well aware of their position.

Benitez, for his part, is not convinced the current squad is good enough to guarantee a return to the big time, and was desperate to strengthen in the January window.

Townsend was only ever likely to return to Tyneside on a loan, following his £11million sale to Crystal Palace. But Newcastle refused to meet the £2m loan fee, coupled with a further £13m payment in the summer.

Ashley, one of the biggest spenders last time Newcastle won promotion, has indicated he will dig deep again once they are back in the Premier League.

But he is adamant it will be done his way – something which will give Benitez food for thought over the coming months.

The Spaniard has indicated that he will not quit, but has refused to give assurances about his long-term future beyond the end of the season when Ashley’s plans are set to move into sharper focus.