Rafa Benitez is hoping to see Newcastle United give him more flexibility when it comes to his new contract.
The Newcastle United boss insists the ball is in Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley's court as far as his new deal is concerned but he is yet to get the assurances he has asked for in recent times.
Benitez said on Friday he was waiting "for an answer" on the proposals he put forward for a new deal.
And the Sunday Sun understands those requests include more leeway on transfers after Ashley made it clear he wanted to sign younger players with resale value rather than those who are approaching their late 20s or entering the twilight years of their careers.
This has instantly ruled out a host of players on Benitez's shortlist and stars in Italy, Spain and France that have been looked at on the last round of scouting missions.
Indeed, Newcastle have checked out Atlanta striker Duván Zapata a number of times this season but at 28 he does not fit into the blueprint United are looking at.
Benitez also wants to make the signing of Salomon Rondon a permanent one after a successful loan stint from West Bromwich Albion.
At 29, Newcastle are reluctant to pay big money for Rondon but he will cost them a minimum £16.5million due to a clause in his contract that neither Albion or the striker's agent are prepared to back down from.
As it stands, United have the first refusal on Rondon but there are other clubs interested in him such as West Ham and Everton.
Benitez is also keen to have more control over the transfer kitty and see exactly how much is at his disposal at the start of the summer window.
In the last three years, he has had to put forward the name of each target before getting a yes or no answer from his board.
Benitez's new contract is being dealt with by Charnley at the moment with no sit down with the owner planned at this stage.
Rafa Benitez relieved that fans now know his priority is to stay at St James' Park
Rafa Benitez relaxed about his future but admits official contract talks have now opened
