Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez wants to remain with the club, but needs assurances over his transfer budget, reports the Telegraph.
West Ham are expected to make an approach for him to become their new manager, saying they are close to appointing a high-profile manager.
There is a £6 million release clause in the Spaniard’s contract, with the Hammers appearing willing to pay it for someone who has the knowledge and success Benitez has under his belt.
However, no agreement has yet been reached and Benitez would be keen to remain on Tyneside.
Fans love Rafa as manager and see the club only improving with him in charge, but he wants the money to facilitate such progress.
Newcastle had the seventh lowest net spend in the Premier League this season, by far the lowest of the promoted clubs.
Mike Ashley has promised the 58-year-old he can have any money the club makes, but Premier League money does not reach the clubs until the end of July and the window closes in early August.
Moving to West Ham would see him guaranteed funds, as they showed they aren’t afraid to spend, signing forwards Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez last summer.
