Mike Ashley gets excited about Rafa Benitez's ground summit after January transfer clashes

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley wants to arrange a meeting with Rafa Benitez on the club's training ground to discuss his needs for the remainder of the transfer period.

The two men spoke very briefly after the 3-0 win against Cardiff City at St James' Park on Saturday night, but it was simply a matter of congratulating the player for his performance against the Bluebirds.

It is thought that January's topic of recruitment was addressed, but Benitez has already submitted a list of goals to Lee Charnley.

The duo had already talked at the famous pizza summit in Ponteland last year.

The highest ranking United wants to avoid another circus after the last team meeting that brought the media to appear in front of the Rialto, while the players were trying to eat their meal.

Since then, Benitez has disagreed with Ashley and his general manager Lee Charnley during the transfer in January, the owner of Toon refusing to be fooled by certain goals. last two windows.

Toon's boss has been stuck on a number of targets. Age, salary claims or agent fees were used to explain the non-punishment of certain targets.

This left Benitez doubtful regarding recruitment beyond January, as the Spaniard felt that he was dropped over the last four windows.

His discontent in the field of transfers also led him to refuse to begin serious discussions on a new contract, despite US leaders wanting to extend his current contract.

Charnley and Ashley are both aware that a summer outing of Benitez would lead to a revolt of the fans, which placed them in a delicate situation, because the former boss of Real Madrid will be difficult to follow.

It is unlikely that Benitez will sign his new contract unless he gets written badurances about the type of transfer funds available.