We're reaching crunch time on a number of pressing issues at St James' Park.
Newcastle's managerial situation remains shrouded in mystery while fresh takeover talk and also Salomon Rondon's ongoing uncertainty dominate the black and white agenda.
Here's a full transcript of our earlier liveblog Q & A :
What’s your gut feeling, will Rafa stay?
For me it’s a question of whether Mike Ashley will budge on the offer that’s on the table. If he does Rafa will stay. But there’s a feeling coming out that when Mike Ashley does meet with Rafa he will sell him the case of building the club with him and that means slower progress. That’s not what Rafa wants.
When do you think we’ll know about Rafa’s future?
This is likely to drag on for around 10 days after the season. It can’t go on much longer than that but Rafa has mentioned June 30 a few times and he may be prepared to wait to get the answers he wants.
Has the Mike Ashley and Rafa meeting happened and what do you imagine will have/will be on the table to talk about?
Not yet. I think it’ll only come if Lee Charnley fails to get the deal done himself. He hasn’t managed it so far and Rafa will feel he can get more out of Ashley if he gets face to face with him.
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Do you think Rondon will sign permanently for NUFC?
I’m looking around for something that gives us some hope. At the moment there’s not much. Rondon heads back to WBA on Monday and then to the Copa America.
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There will be talks to sign him if Rafa stays but that will depend on the price and his wage demands. He doesn’t fit the profile that Ashley has rolled out.
Is there any truth in the Mexico sports company takeover story - or is just the usual rumours with Rafa’s contract up and transfer window coming up?
Feels like we have been around the world a couple of times with potential investors from various countries. NUFC sources have made it clear that if you’ve got the money, prove it and get a bid together. Neither of those things have happened from any interested party recently.
Do you think the £50million transfer budget is enough for Rafa?
I don’t think it is if we are talking top eight. It’ll be enough to keep Newcastle United up maybe but realistically it’s about how Rafa can make that - plus outgoing sales - work this summer.
I think if you put a shortlist together on a winger, left-back, striker, a couple of midfielders and a keeper then the current kitty is going to come in a little light with the prices on the table for the players needed.
Is there anything else in the pipeline for pre-season apart from the China trip?
Rafa Benitez has already told me there will be limited time to go too far. But there have been some European friendlies talked about. United are also planning their usual curtain raiser at SJP. Benitez wants top level opponents for the home game.
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Will Sean Longstaff be fit for the start of pre-season? Will he be able to cope with the pressure of being first team player next season?
Yes he will be ready for pre-season and is doing very well with his rehab. He’s already running again. He’s so level headed I think he will take next season in his stride. If he isn’t guaranteed first team football (which surely he should be) somebody will be getting a hell of a player on loan.
Are we going to hear anything from Mike Ashley soon? Will he release another statement like he did on the final day of last season?
I think he will play his cards again like he did at the end of last season. He won’t want to look like the one holding up the Rafa deal.
However, if the worst case scenario unfolds, I’d expect Rafa to go public on everything.
