Benitez says plenty of time to talk about future – but deal must be right

RAFA Benitez has revealed there is a “good opportunity” to talk about extending his current Newcastle United contract – providing the deal on the table from Mike Ashley is right.

The Toon boss stated that the club must go into next season with the “right tools” to do the job.

Benitez has found himself frustrated in the last three transfer windows and had just £39m to spend last summer along with three January loan signings this year, but he has still managed to guide the Magpies to safety at the first attempt in the Premier League.

United could even end the season on a real high and earn a top 10 finish if they maintain their superb recent form.

When asked after the game about his future, Benitez replied: “We will see.

“Obviously, it is too early because we have just finished but we have plenty of time to talk about ideas for the future.

“As I have said before, if everything is right, it is a good opportunity but everything has to be right.”

Ashley was not present for Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Arsenal but his close aide Keith Bishop was in the stands and made his way down to the tunnel after the game.

Benitez then rewarded his players with two days off after securing Premier League safety with a hard fought win over Arsene Wenger’s side.

The Spaniard will celebrate his 58th birthday today knowing his team can now look up the table rather than over their shoulder on a weekend in which Southampton drifted closer to the drop.

When asked if he could celebrate his birthday in style, Benitez said: “Yes, it is really good and I have given them an extra day off so they do not have to see me tomorrow!”