Rafa still unable to quit Toon
Shaqiri hits back at Neville brothers’ criticism and says: Maybe they just don’t like Liverpool.. didn’t they both used to play for Man Utd?’
IF Xherdan Shaqiri deals with opponents as well as he dispatches critics, he is set for a fine career with Liverpool.
RAFA BENITEZ’S £6million buy-out clause for clubs has expired – but he cannot quit Newcastle for free.
The unhappy Newcastle boss was shackled by a contract clause, which meant Newcastle would get a transfer fee if a rival club wanted to lure him away.
That has expired – as he enters the final year of his deal – but the Spaniard would face a messy tribunal if he left for another club.
Owner Mike Ashley could up the stakes and demand even more than £6m compensation if another club came poaching.
Benitez is also stuck with managing Newcastle amid a sell-to-buy transfer window because he has to pay United £6m if he quits. That clause remains active.
It means Benitez will remain on Tyneside for now, despite a flimsy transfer budget and trust between him and the club shattered. There is no chance he will extend his deal and this season is likely to be his last at St James’ Park.
And because he won’t sign, progress on signings has been glacial, with the club making a profit on deals rather than spending.
Benitez has spoken again of his need for five signings before August 9, and the first game against Spurs.
They landed another last night with Swiss defender Fabian Schar on Tyneside after leaving Deportivo La Coruna for £3m.
Benitez said: “Is the current squad good enough for what we need? I don’t think so. If we want to compete in the Premier League, we have to be stronger.
“We are working on trying to improve the squad, but it’s too soon to say too much.”