It's been the underlying issue that has dominated yet another Newcastle United pre-season discussion: will Rafa Benitez sign a new contract with the club?
This time, though, there's a difference. A big one.
It's no longer a will he, won't he situation. Benitez has been fair to the Newcastle supporters, whose loyalty he is appreciative and respectful towards, and he's laid his cards out on the table very publicly.
He will sign, should he have his necessary assurances met.
Benitez is a world-class manager. He sees Newcastle as a project. He believes in the success he can achieve with the club, but he needs the backing of the owner to do so.