Newcastle to open contract talks with boss Rafa Benitez over new deal to repair relationship with owner Mike Ashley
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss was left frustrated after Toon failed to land number of top summer targets
NEWCASTLE are planning contract talks with Rafa Benitez in a bid to improve their manager's strained relationship with owner Mike Ashley, according to reports.
Benitez's deal expires at the end of next season but the Magpies want to tie him down long-term.
Ashley wants to sell the club and knows the guarantee of the prestigious former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss coming with it will keep it closer to the £230million asking price, report The Times.
Toon have exceeded expectations upon their Premier League return by taking nine points out of a possible 18 under the Spaniard.
Benitez has been earmarked to replace Slaven Bilic at West Ham - and made clear his frustrations at Newcastle after their failure to bring in a number of his top summer targets.
His decision whether to extend his stay on Tyneside will depend upon the assurances Ashley gives him when they meet.
It is believed Benitez, 57, would not want to sign a new deal which contains a high release clause in case he prices himself out of a future move.
Sports Direct tycoon Ashley has reportedly invited Benitez round for dinner recently in what is seen as a build up to contract talks.
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And Ashley's right-hand man Justin Barnes, who is not a Newcastle employee, is said to have met with the Toon manager before the 2-1 win against Stoke and passed on his boss' best wishes.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who spent six years playing under Benitez, believes the Magpies' attempts to keep him long-term will be in vain.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, he said: "If I'm being totally honest, I don't expect to see Rafa Benitez at Newcastle over a sustained, long period of time.
"I think eventually something will happen with him and the owner and unfortunately for Newcastle this is not going to be a happy and long marriage.
"So enjoy it while he's here."
