Former Newcastle United forward Faustino Asprilla has called on Mike Ashley to offer Rafael Benitez a new contract. Benitez has received huge praise after guiding the Magpies to Premier League safety for the second season in a row but the manager is yet to put pen-to-paper on a new contract, leaving huge doubts over his future on Tyneside.
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The Spanish tactician’s current deal expires on July 1 and discussions over an extension are ongoing, with the former Liverpool boss wanting assurances over transfer funds for the summer window. Asprilla, who played at St James’ Park from 1996-1998, says the job Benitez has done in nothing less than incredible and the Colombian has urged owner Ashley to tie down the manager.
He told the Chronicle: “Rafa Benitez has proved that he is the only man for the job at my old club. “On a limited budget he has performed miracles and kept the club in the Premier League. He has made some great signings this season with (Federico) Fernandez, (Fabian) Schar and (Miguel) Almiron all impressing me. “Hopefully, the club will offer him a new contract and reward his survival success with a healthy transfer budget this summer.”
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