De Gea to stay a Red

IT’S ’STAFF DISCONTENT

that-be by the manager prior to the end of the season

Salary details over an extension were discussed, but Benitez’s salary was nowhere near the reported £9.5million – and was less than half of what was on offer in China.

The manager would not commit to more than a one-year deal without transfer assurances. Newcastle said they wanted to remain in charge of all incoming deals.

That was to prove a major stumbling block and correspondence between the club and manager after that was sporadic and did n o thi n g to convince Benitez that he would be staying at the club.

The Spaniard finally cleared his desk on June 17.

Charnley did offer to meet with Benitez again in a last-ditch attempt to prevent him leaving, but, despite a few email exchanges, it was clear the club’s basic position had not altered ahead of the statement released by Newcastle on June 24. Benitez is clearly relishing the prospect of another project in China, but there is no question that he would have rejected the riches on offer had conditions been right for him to stay.

He said: “Newcastle need to think about the new season. I have a great challenge ahead of me. But I will say that, after the meeting in London, it was a clear decision for me. A few days later, we told the club we would not extend the contract.

“We had been waiting for a solution to the takeover.

“But we were losing other offers. In the end, we couldn’t wait any more. Being without a job wasn’t an option.

“So we decided the project in China was an interesting one because they want to invest in every single department to improve the club.”

Asked about his feelings over Newcastle, he said: “I will remember my relationship with the staff – that’s one of the things.

“But, if you ask about football, winning the Championship was a good memory.

“Then it was charting the progress of players such as Ayoze Perez, Salomon Rondon, Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff and others.

“In particular, Sean was fantastic for us.

“Since our last pre-season in Ireland, we talked about his quality and attitude.

“When he had his chance, he grabbed it with both hands. He has a great future.

“But overall, the main thing was that we created a team spirit. A team the fans were proud to watch because of their commitment.” NEWCASTLE ace Sean Longstaff is considering his future following the shock exit of Rafa Benitez – and that’s great news for Manchester United.

Sources close to the Toon midfielder (above) – wanted by Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – confirm he is “bitterly upset” about Benitez leaving St James Park.

All of which is further encouragement for Man United in their pursuit of Longstaff, 21, who is currently recovering from knee ligament damage sustained in March.

Solskjaer (below) views the Newcastle playmaker as another vital piece in the ongoing overhaul of his United squad after being impressed with his breakthrough season in the Premier League. Longstaff fits the Reds’ transfer strategy as they are looking to lure some of the finest young “home” talent in the English game.

They have signed £15million Wales winger Daniel James, 21, from Swansea City and rightback Aaron Wan-Bissaka, also 21, for £50m from Crystal Palace.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW? Owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley are managerless TOON fans may not have seen the last of Rafa Benitez – as he has refused to rule out a return to Newcastle United. The Spaniard has now assumed his position at Chinese club Dalian Yifang, but says he still sees a future for himself in English football. He said: “I expect to do well with Dalian Yifang and, after that, to come back to the UK. “I don’t know when. But you are always happy to come back where people appreciate your effort and commitment – and Newcastle United’s fans have been one of the best in my management career. “I can only offer them my gratitude. They supported me all the time – even when things on the pitch were not going well. “They supported the team and me. They deserve the best.” season. While most of United’s players came back for fitness tests last week, the midfield star was given extra time off by Solskjaer after playing Euro 2020 qualifiers for France against Andorra and Turkey last month. And the club’s top brass believe agent Mino Raiola’s transfer bombshell that Pogba wants to leave Old Trafford could be the opening salvo in a protracted transfer war. The star was in New York last week for an adidas promotion. Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has made no secret of his desire to bring his fellow Frenchman to the Bernabeu. And Juventus want to team up their former star with Cristiano Ronaldo. But United still insist Pogba isn’t for sale. However, Raiola said: “Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what Paul’s feelings are. “Everyone within the club – from the manager to the owners – knows Paul’s wishes.” DAVID DE GEA is ready to agree a new £350,000-aweek contract to give Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a boost as he battles to keep wantaway Paul Pogba. Recent talks between the Old Trafford hierarchy and De Gea’s agent Jorge Mendes went well and the Spanish keeper is set to sign a five-year deal. It will make De Gea, 28, the highest-paid keeper in the world. He had wanted parity in wages with £500,000-aweek Alexis Sanchez. Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has confirmed his wish to leave, with Real Madrid, Paris SaintGermain and former club Juventus hovering. United want £150m for him.