Newcastle to confirm Benitez appointment ‘next week’

Matt Stead

Newcastle United will confirm the appointment of Rafa Benitez as permanent manager next week, according to reports.

Benitez is understood to have spent the last few days finalising potential transfer targets as Newcastle prepare for life in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

According to both The Daily Telegraph and The Times’ George Caulkin, talks have progressed well with Magpies owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley.

Former Liverpool boss Benitez is understood to want Ashley to make his promises in writing before he commits to the club, which he took over in March after the sacking of Steve McClaren.

Newcastle are in talks to open an overdraft facility in order to fund the Spaniard’s expected recruitment drive, while a number of players are expected to be sold.

However, the club are unwilling to be bullied into the sale of their high-profile stars, and are insistent on making a profit on the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Daryl Janmaat.

Sissoko, who is interesting West Ham, has an asking price of £20million, with Juventus target Janmaat valued at £10million.