Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Sport
Lee Ryder

Rafa Benitez wanted by Celtic but Newcastle United still in the box seat to secure his services

Newcastle United chiefs are keen to resolve Rafa Benitez's contract extension quickly in order to remove the veil of uncertainty at St James' Park at the moment.

United and Benitez did not hold any discussions on Monday as both parties took a day to gather their thoughts after the 4-0 win at Fulham .

But with the transfer window opening tomorrow, United's top brass know they can't afford to waste much more time on the recruitment front given that deadline day comes on August 8 this year.

Benitez is keen to stay on as boss but hopes that the club are receptive to his ideas for the new season.

The former Real Madrid and Liverpool boss will give Mike Ashley every chance to keep him at Newcastle .

The Toon manager has been heavily linked with the Celtic job again in the last 24 hours but United have made extending Benitez's deal their priority.

Reports in Scotland this morning have suggested that Benitez is the favourite to replace Neil Lennon at Parkhead but Benitez will meet with United officials this week to open talks on his contract.

Benitez said: "It’s very easy.

"I can see the potential of this massive club and hopefully we can do things in a way that will be good for everyone to move forward, maybe together.

"At the moment, it’s just keep talking and see what happens next week."

Ben Dawson reflects after Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat at Southampton in play-off choker

Gazza's message to Mike Ashley over Newcastle United transfers  

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.