Rafa Benitez hoping for breakthrough amid fresh transfer talks at Newcastle

Rafa Benitez has held more talks with Newcastle United's hierarchy over a transfer budget this week.
Rafa Benitez.Rafa Benitez.
Rafa Benitez.

Benitez was at St James’s Park on Tuesday for dicussions with Lee Charnley.

United’s manager has been frustrated by an impasse in negotiations over his budget.

Rolando Aarons.Rolando Aarons.
Rolando Aarons.
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Owner Mike Ashley wanted Benitez to sign a new deal before discussing figures.

However, Benitez – whose contract has 12 months left to run – wanted to agree a budget before starting contract talks.

Managing director Charnley is trying to broker an agreement while also working through Benitez’s summer targets.

The Magpies’ only signing so far this summer is goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who spent last season on loan at United.

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The club, which finished 10th in the Premier League last term, expects to lose midfielder Mikel Merino, who has a release clause in his Newcastle contract.

Benitez – who was disappointed at the club’s efforts in the last three transfer windows – wants a clearly-defined budget and the freedom to push through deals.

Last summer, he set up a number transfers, only for them to be referred upwards for consideration.

Benitez also wants money from sales to be added to his budget.

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Meanwhile, Rolando Aarons could be offered first-team football by West Bromwich Albion.

The winger – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hellas Verona – faces an uncertain future at the club.

Aarons is not in Rafa Benitez’s first-team plans for next season, and could be loaned out, or even sold, this summer.

Benitez has three senior wingers – Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy – and hopes to sign another this summer.

Aarons – whose career has been interrupted by a series of injuries – has another three years left on his contract.