Rafa Benitez’s long-term future as manager of Newcastle United is in doubt after the club failed to back him in the January transfer window - and he will demand guarantees over spending and control come the summer.
The Spaniard is both furious and mystified as to why owner Mike Ashley refused to sanction the signing of former Magpies winger Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace.
And, while Benitez will not walk out on this year’s Championship promotion tilt, we understand he could quit at the end of the season if discussions with club chiefs are not to his liking.