Rafa set for showdown talks

Rafa Benitez will find out next week his transfer funding for the Premier League.

According to a report in The Telegraph the Newcastle boss will meet up with Mike Ashley to outline his plans and requirements for next season.

Ashley brought in the Spaniard to try and save the club from relegation 14 months ago and managed to secure Benitez onto a new three year contract despite relegation.

There were hints of unrest during the January transfer window when Newcastle failed to land a number of transfer targets with the ‘deal’ for Andros Townsend causing some alarm.

Having kept his side of the bargain by gaining promotion at the first time of asking Benitez has a strong hand to play in next week’s talks and the backing of almost all Newcastle fans.

Those supporters will expect Ashley to fund his manager but the last decade or so at St James’ Park has prepared fans to expect the unexpected.