Newcastle boss Benitez weighs up contract extension

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is ready to extend his contract with the Toon Army, but only as long as the club's board can provide funds to spend on new players in the January transfer window. The Spanish coach is very popular at St James' Park, and has yet to agree on a fresh contract.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea coach is rumoured to have sat down for an initial discussion regarding a new contract and is ready to commit, as long as Mike Ashley frees up funds for new signings.

Rafa wants to sign at least four new players during January and is reportedly seeking a transfer kitty of around £80 million to secure players that he feels will secure Premier League survival.

Benitez said of his situation: 

 "Yeah, I am happy here. We can't waste energy with my future but, in January, we have to find the right targets to improve things on the pitch - and do it. Last year is an example - we finished 10th after we did it in January. We can do something similar. 

"Hopefully, we can be in much better position in January, then it will be easier. You are asking me about my future, and I decided about my future when I signed for Newcastle United for three years.

"My idea when we were talking about that was the project to finish challenging the top eight, so not even the top 10. I said we could be easily in the top eight, that was my idea. Do I still believe it's a top eight team? What I said - if we do the right things, yes."