Problems over new Rafa deal still not sorted

NEWCASTLE United’s contract extension offer for Rafa Benitez is still on the table - despite talk of a takeover at St James’ Park.

It is believed Mike Ashley has no qualms about Benitez extending his stay on Tyneside and the fiveyear deal offered to the former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss is still available.

United first offered Benitez a contract last January but talks have spluttered throughout the calendar year.

The situation has been left with managing-director Lee Charnley.

However, the stumbling blocks remain the same in the eyes of Benitez - with his requests to upgrade the training ground and the Academy set-up still not sanctioned.

For the Spaniard it has never been about salary or personal gain and he is even prepared to accept some flexibility on transfer funds providing the squad continues to improve over the years to come.

However, Benitez feels the training ground is still in need of a face lift with space limited at the current Benton HQ.

The Toon boss did see the club fund a new plastic pitch two years ago, but the temperature in the indoor hall remains an issue and it is felt heaters are required during Academy training sessions.

Benitez’s plan for the youth set-up has also not been approved, the United boss feeling more funds need to be ploughed into the Academy.

It is believed Benitez and Ashley touched on the future of the Academy during the club’s pizza summit but there have been no fresh discussions on the matter.

It is understood the current back-room team feel the flow of youngsters coming through the ranks is not up to standard .

While Sean Longstaff and Paul Dummett have graduated and won senior deals in recent years, Benitez wants to be able to call on two or three youngsters every summer to help preserve the transfer funds at his disposal.

Managing-director Charnley remains in constant dialogue with Benitez but any contract extension talks have been parked until the new year and progress in the transfer window is likely to prove the acid test for both the club and their current manager.

A bad transfer window could prove to be the final straw for the ex-Napoli chief.

Some major clubs are also keeping tabs on Benitez’s situation at Newcastle with AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso under severe pressure at the San Siro following their Europa League exit this week.