No secret has been made of Rafa Benitez's difficulties with the Newcastle board during his tenure as manager. The Spaniard has been particularly disappointed with the board's lack of investment, and said issue proved to be a bone of contention in the summer.
One player who Benitez did manage to sign was striker Salomon Rondon, who arrived on loan from West Brom whilst Dwight Gayle went the other way. According to reports, even that signing of Rondon was a huge struggle for Benitez, as the board were very reluctant to sign the striker.
The Chronicle claim that Benitez had to battle the board to sign Rondon, as they were keen to sign players who had re-sell value - and at 29 that may not be the Venezuelan's 'USP'.