Rafa would be sure to give Ashley food for thought over dinner

BOSS WILL SEEK A HOST OF ASSURANCES ON FUTURE

THE word on football’s grapevine is that Mike Ashley wants to open talks with his manager Rafa Benitez about extending his stay at Newcastle United through a new contract.

Well, we knew Ashley is brazen but, brother, could he be opening a can of worms here!

Does United’s owner expect Benitez to tug his forelock, thank his paymaster for generosity shown and reach for a pen?

Rafa has found direct communication with Ashley difficult – it is easier to climb a slippery pole – and should United’s owner make himself readily available the list of demands is likely to be longer than the A1.

Having been messed about over the last two transfer windows, Benitez should demand promises in WRITING this time.

All talk on Tyneside has been about Benitez walking out, not looking to stay even longer under the current ownership.

We have even been told Ashley has invited Benitez out to dinner. Really? Then his meal is likely to get cold as United’s boss weighs in seeking assurances.

Benitez is nought if not a crafty politician and I would presume United’s transfer policy will be only one of many things he would seek to be carved in stone.

Ashley’s long-term policy; his position on selling the club; staffing; Benitez’s scope of authority; and academy plans, as well as his buying policy, will require clarity.

It was The Times who brokered the idea Ashley is looking to tie down the Spaniard beyond his contract which expires at the end of next season.

On the face of it welcome news for the Toon Army, but we have become a suspicious lot over the last 10 years.

The ‘leak’ came at exactly the same time as one of Benitez’s faithful lieutenants at Liverpool, Jamie Carragher, told us he does not expect Rafa to stay long at Newcastle.

Carragher, who played under Benitez between 2004 and 2010, believes the manager could leave if he falls out with Ashley again.

“If I am being totally honest I don’t expect to see Rafa Benitez at Newcastle over a sustained, long period of time,” said Carragher, , who knows him better than most.

“I think eventually something will happen with him and the owner, and for Newcastle this is not going to be a happy and long marriage. So enjoy it while he is here.”

United’s old goal ace Mick Quinn threw more petrol on the bonfire by admitting he is suspicious about Ashley’s sincerity, adding: “I am sick of the owner. He has made Newcastle feel soulless in parts when it is the most warm and jovial club I have been involved with.”

I am afraid Ashley has earned his reputation on Tyneside over years of controversy.

If you were feeling cynical then you might wonder if Ashley is publicly showing an eagerness to retain his manager because he realises Rafa’s popularity with the fans and wishes to make any parting of the ways look down to Benitez, not him.

In a rare TV interview recently Ashley apologised to Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, and Alan Shearer for the manner of their departures but his stark stance leading to a sacking policy never waned under any growing feeling of guilt. We want what Ashley says he wants – but we will not believe it until Rafa Benitez announces he is staying.