Benitez return unlikely if Ash is in charge

RAFA Benitez would only return to Newcastle United under Mike Ashley if there were guarantees the Magpies’ owner would invest in the club.

That is the view of Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, who does not believe the Spaniard will be back on Tyneside unless there is a boardroom change.

It is no secret Benitez left the club in May 2018 because he felt Toon owner Ashley did not share his vision for the future, which included improving the training facilities, investing in the ground and loosening restrictions on transfer targets.

Nearly three years later, the 60-year-old is still being linked with a return to the Magpies, particularly as he is now a free agent again having left Dalian Pro.

After Neil Lennon announced his resignation yesterday, Benitez was linked with the Celtic job but is thought to be holding out for a Premier League club.

The Chronicle recently reported there was nothing in claims he had been approached by Ashley to replace head coach Steve Bruce.

Balague, who knows Benitez well, said: “Is there a project with Mike Ashley there, is there a plan?

“Is there an intention to spend money on the academy and the facilities and in the squad?

“If the answer is no, then you have the answer for Rafa if he was ever approached again but he has not been and it is a no.

“It is amazing to think somebody of his calibre does not have a team but it happens. He will have to wait