RAFA’S IN THE MONEY AT LAST

RAFA BENITEZ has finally been given the green light to spend, spend, spend — and now faces a scramble among the January sales to save Newcastle’s season.

Benitez (right) has refused to commit his long-term future to St James’ Park after revealing he knew THREE WEEKS ago that a proposed £300million Toon takeover was doomed to failure.

But that hasn’t stopped the Spaniard finally winning a pledge from owner Mike Ashley (right) that he will provide funds to strengthen a struggling Toon squad.

Benitez is looking at Chelsea wing-back Kenedy but his interest in Everton star Aaron Lennon is over now that Burnley have stepped in. “We are not where we wanted to be and it’s clear we have three or four positions where we need to improve,” said Benitez, ahead of tonight’s match at Premier

League leaders Manchester City. “I’ve spoken to Mike – it was a positive conversation and he has the names and the prices of the players we want. He said clearly that he will try to do the best he can to bring in the players we are looking for. “We have the green light to bring players in and it’s positive there will be some money spent this month. “I wanted them here by January 20 so we are a little bit under pressure but we will try to do our best. How many players? We will see.” Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners insist their offer to buy out Ashley remains on the table, despite the Sports Direct billionaire accusing them of wasting his time in a stinging attack this week. Benitez, who has known about the collapse of negotiations since before Christmas, added: “There has been speculation about the takeover but Mike told me three weeks ago that it wouldn’t be happening.” The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was given ample opportunity to pledge his long-term future to the Toon, but repeatedly refused, adding: “My future is the game against Manchester City and, after that, Chelsea in the cup.”