Newcastle fear Benitez departure

 

Newcastle fear Rafa Benitez will walk out of the club when his contract expires at the end of the month, claims The Sun.

 

Benitez has been offered a new contract by Newcastle but wants assurances before pledging his future to the club.

 

The Spaniard has been in a constant battle with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in the last few years about investment in the squad.

 

Benitez has grown increasingly frustrated by a lack of investment at Newcastle having missed out on several transfer targets in the past.

 

Newcastle signed Salomon Rondo from West Brom on a season-long loan deal last term and the Venezuela international was a revelation for the club.

 

However, it seems unlikely the Magpies will push to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis, much to Benitez’s frustration.

 

Newcastle fear Benitez departure

 

While Newcastle are hopeful Benitez will sign a new contract, there is a growing fear they could be left without a manager at the start of next month.

 

Benitez did tremendously well to guide Newcastle to a 13th place finish in the Premier League last season.

 

Since taking charge of Newcastle in March 2016, Benitez has impressively won 42.5% of his matches in all competitions.