Top BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has shared his fears that Newcastle will trigger a fire sale involving half of the squad if Mike Ashley allows Rafa Benitez to walk away in the summer.
The former Tottenham and Manchester United forward turned football analyst gave his take on the Spaniard’s contract situation as part of his weekly column, which is usually designated to praising the efforts of the eleven top performing players from the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
Crooks opted against heaping praise on Salomon Rondon for scoring his tenth league goal of the season, though, in favour of slamming Ashley, despite the Venezuelan’s strike to draw the Magpies level with Liverpool on Saturday earning the 29-year-old a spot in his Team of the Week.
“The chant said it all from the Newcastle fans – ‘Rafa Benitez, we want you to stay’. I bet Salomon Rondon does too,” Crooks wrote.
“Since his arrival at St James’ Park, the Venezuela international has not looked back. He has led the Newcastle striking line with distinction.
“The problem for the Magpies is that if Rafa goes, so does half of that team. That team is nothing without Rafa’s leadership and inspiration. The quicker owner Mike Ashley can conclude contract talks with Benitez, the better for all concerned.”
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Tyneside, Benitez did shed some positive light on negotiations over a deal, when he told the assembled media on Friday that he had held positive discussions with Managing Director Lee Charnley, and that further talks will be held.
“I was talking with Lee Charnley this week, and we will let you know as soon as we have more news,” said Benitez. “We have had another talk. We’ll continue to talk.”