Jamie Carragher says Newcastle United have to get a deal for Salomon Rondon done in the close season.
Benitez has dodged questions about Rondon’s long-term prospects, fully aware that it will be another battle to secure a deal for the West Brom man.
He will cost £16.5million if Albion don’t get promoted and while Newcastle will look to broker a deal to keep him at St James’ Park next season, it seems it will have to make financial sense to get it past owner Mike Ashley.
There are other clubs interested in Rondon. Wolves tried to sign him in January and Everton and West Ham have also been linked.
Why Rondon and Benitez's futures are inextricably linked - no matter what the Newcastle manager says
Carragher’s view is that United cannot afford to delay in the Rondon deal. “They have to get the signature done: Rondon in the summer,” the Sky pundit said emphatically.
“I know Mike Ashley doesn’t like spending money on players of his age but he’s made a huge difference to Newcastle this season. It’s a deal that has to be made.”
Had United listened to Benitez in the summer, a long-term deal would have been agreed in the close season. But Newcastle opted against it and instead turned to a one-year loan deal – which saw Dwight Gayle move in the opposite direction The riddle of Dwight Gayle's 'secret' new contract explained, and what it might mean for NUFC.
Benitez certainly agrees that Rondon is a key man. He said: “The kind of striker we were looking for was like him. Someone who was strong, sometimes can hold the ball up, flick it on and can run with the defenders.
“He was doing a great job for us. Even when he’s tired he goes to the right positions to let the midfielders go and press. He’s an important player for us.”
The riddle of Dwight Gayle's 'secret' new contract explained, and what it might mean for NUFC
How Salomon Rondon has made himself the heartbeat of this Newcastle XI - & he must sign permanently
