The signing that United really need

But Benitez still hasn’t started contract talks:

RAFA Benitez is yet to take part in any fresh contract discussions with Newcastle United - despite a suggestion he has been offered a one-year contract recently.

Benitez was offered a one-year extension to his current deal, which expires in May, during the closed season last summer, but with the takeover talk draping a veil of uncertainty over St James’ Park it is understood that he does not feel the time is right to talk about a new contract.

In any case, Benitez’s vision at United would be to sign a longterm contract and he has spoken in the past of spending another 10 years on Tyneside if conditions are right.

The former Liverpool boss is not a fan of short-termism and wants to revamp the club Academy and scouting system in order to help the Magpies compete at the right end of the table.

A report in the Times on Sunday stated United are prepared to offer Benitez a one-year deal to unlock the possibility of January signings, but Newcastle are yet to respond to that particular report.

The initial contract offer - a five-year deal - was pushed in front of Benitez after he guided the team to 10th place last season.

But Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley did not sanction a number of requests, including the youth system revamp, and Benitez opted against the deal.

Although, Benitez did tell the club he would not walk away from his existing contract and no matter what happens this season the Spaniard will see out his current deal.

Ashley was absent for Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn and has attended just seven games out of 23 this season.