Rafa Benitez says his Newcastle United future hinges on next week’s meeting with owner Mike Ashley.
The Spaniard has again refused to commit himself to the club beyond those end-of-season talks, but he already has plans in place for summer recruitment and their pre-season schedule.
The vibes are positive and Benitez was in upbeat mood yesterday ahead of Sunday’s Championship curtain call at home to Barnsley, where they will win the title if they better Brighton’s result at Aston Villa.
But the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss will want assurances from the club’s hierarchy over their ambition for next season in the Premier League before pressing ahead with an overhaul of his playing squad.