Rafa Benitez is unlikely to sign a new deal at Newcastle this Summer, but is not expected to be sacked despite a horrible beginning to the season, according to the Mirror.
The Spaniard is yet to win a Premier League game since April, but has the majority of Newcastle fans on his side.
However, it is still very unlikely that Benitez will sign a new deal at the Toon, with the former Chelsea and Liverpool boss still looking at options elsewhere in Europe.
Simon Bird, a journalist for the Mirror, said that:
The official line is that Newcastle still want Benitez to be boss long term, and to sign a new deal. There is currently little – probably no – hope of that happening, even if they spend in January.
So Newcastle would be foolish not to be thinking ahead at what happens next, whether that be in the summer, or before. That leads us to the next few games, which will be crucial.
It’s Brighton, Watford, Bournemouth, West Ham, Wolves and Fulham at St James’s Park before Christmas. Plus trips to Southampton, Burnley, Everton and Huddersfield.
That’s plenty of chances to ease the pressure. Win five of those ten games and United will be back on track and able to strengthen – if owner Mike Ashley belatedly gets the message – in January.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly on Newcastle’s radar to replace Benitez, with the Northern Irishman linked with a return to the Premier League.
