Mike Ashley expects Rafa Benitez to sign a new three-year contract to remain at Newcastle, according to reports.
Benitez has just six months left on his existing deal and it was believed he would leave the club when it expires due to a lack of investment in the Magpies’ playing squad.
However, according to the Mirror, Ashley now expects a positive decision on Benitez’s future in the next six weeks – with a new contract in the pipeline.
The club broke their transfer record throughout January by paying £21million for Miguel Almiron, the midfielder, from from MLS champions Atlanta United.
The previous record had lasted for over 13 years, with Michael Owen’s £16.8million move to St James’ Park in 2005.
Newcastle also completed the loan signing of Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca.
Benitez was refusing to consider his position at Newcastle until the club delivered the players he wanted, while Ashley initially did not want to sanction the deal unless the Spanish coach committed his future.
The 58-year-old’s squad is largely the same as the one that got promoted from the Championship in 2017 and Ashley had been reluctant to splash the cash, as he had hoped to sell the club before the end of the transfer window.
Benitez, who has managed the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, is highly regarded by Newcastle supporters and Ashley is now offering him a three-year contract complete with lucrative bonuses, as well as the promise of more signings in the summer.