The Hammer to happen
talks with Newcastle, while it gives him a viable out should the Magpies fail to deliver what he believes is necessary.
It is understood Benitez retains an excellent rapport with the Hammers’ hierarchy and, when rumours first surfaced linking him to the east London club during the Championship campaign, the Spaniard was careful not to comment publicly to ensure he did not alienate a potential future employer.
For that reason, this potential link has to be taken seriously – even if there are caveats.
It is claimed Moyes wanted West Ham to afford him greater control over transfers, as well as a guaranteed budget this summer, but the club’s board was unwilling to grant him either.
Given Benitez is demanding the same from Newcastle, would he really move to the London Stadium when he would find himself operating under such constraints?
While his relationship with Ashley is somewhat frayed, Sullivan and David Gold are hardly the perfect owners, either.
Perhaps, though, Benitez may decide – if the latest reports of Ashley raising his asking price to £400m are true – he cannot take Newcastle any further under the Sports Direct magnate.
Earlier this week, Benitez told an Italian media outlet Newcastle are the “only club” he is talking to at the moment. Yet, should West Ham make an approach, things will change in that regard.
There is never smoke without fire and, for this many national papers to be running the story, clearly the Hammers feel there is at least a chance of prising Benitez away from Tyneside.
It is now over to Newcastle and Ashley to give Benitez what he wants.
If they meet Benitez’s demands, a n d rebuild some of the trust which has eroded away, then he will undoubtedly stay.
However, if the Magpies’ hierarchy was naively complacent about the situation before, then these latest links – proving there are viable alternatives for Benitez out there – should give the club the jolt it needs to finally get this resolved.
Otherwise there is a danger things could unravel at a rapid pace.