Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has held “productive” talks with the club over staying in charge next season, according to The Times’ George Caulkin.
The Spaniard took charge at St James’ Park in March. Although he has been unable to steer the Magpies away from relegation, he has overseen a dramatic improvement in their performance levels.
He was widely expected to walk away from the club this summer if they were unable to beat the drop, but Caulkin indicates that might not be the case and that there could be reason for optimism among Newcastle fans.
Benitez is said to have held talks with managing director Lee Charnley over his future. Caulkin says the club has called the talks “productive”, but that no decision from the former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Liverpool boss is imminent.
He claims there is a will on both sides for a deal to be done, indicated that 56-year-old Benitez is open to the idea of working in the Championship next season.
