Newcastle United

Mike Ashley 'expects Rafael Benitez to sign new contract'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 03 February 2019

Ashley 'expects Benitez to sign new contract'

Mike Ashley is reportedly confident that Rafael Benitez will now commit his future to Newcastle United after being backed in the January transfer window.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley reportedly expects manager Rafael Benitez to sign a new three-year contract within the next six weeks.

The Spaniard has failed to offer reassurances over his St James' Park future after growing frustrated with life working under Ashley.

However, Benitez was finally given big financial backing in the closing stages of the January transfer window as Newcastle's unpopular owner funded a club-record move for Miguel Almiron.

As well as splashing out £21m on the Paraguayan attacker, surpassing the £16m spent to sign Michael Owen in 2005, United also added full-back Antonio Barreca to their squad.

According to The Mirror, one of Ashley's aides held talks with Benitez last week after learning that the ex-Liverpool boss intended to walk away in the summer if he did not land his top January target.

With Almiron now poised to make his debut, the report indicates that Ashley wants a decision made by Benitez by the end of March, and he is confident of a lucrative three-year contract being signed.