Despite a 3-0 victory at home to Chelsea on the final day of the season sending Newcastle fans into a summer of rejoicing and good feelings, three weeks have passed and the stand-off between manager Rafael Benitez and owner Mike Ashley continues.
Ashley is keen for Benitez to stay at the club for next season, but the Spaniard wants budgetary promises from the owner.
Talks between Benitez’s representatives and the club had begun prior to the end of the season, but it is understood those talks have not yet reached any kind of conclusion.
The former Real Madrid manager was understood to have had very little to work with in terms of transfers last year, relying on loan players to play a key role in first team action, including Kenedy Martin Dubravka.
The tenth placed finish for the Magpies accompanied some excellent results, as memorable victories against Arsenal and Manchester United accompanied that season finale defeat of Chelsea.
If the club are to make the next step and cement their status as a top-half club, a harmonious relationship between the manager and the board will surely be advantageous.
