Rafa Benitez quits Newcastle after refusing new deal over lack of transfer funds

NEWCASTLE have announced that Rafa Benitez will leave at the end of the week – and they are now looking for his replacement.

Toon owner Mike Ashley met Benitez in London at the end of the season to try and agree a new deal.

But talks have broken down in recent weeks and an inevitable separation has now finally been confirmed.

Benitez and his whole backroom staff will depart on June 30, with Newcastle now beginning their search for a new boss.

A Toon statement read: “It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benitez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019

We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved

Newcastle statement

“We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.

“Rafa’s coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gomez Perez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on June 30.

“We would like to thank Rafa and his coaching team for their efforts over the last three years and their significant contribution to what has been collectively achieved.

“We would also like to thank our supporters, players and staff for their patience during a period of uncertainty.

“The process to appoint a successor will now begin.”

£350M BUYOUT

Sunsport broke the news last month that head of term had been signed on a £350m deal for Ashley to sell to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Representatives of the Sheikh made no contact with Benitez despite releasing two statements about the proposed takeover, the latest insisting proof of funds have been provided.

They have also registered a company, Monochrome Acquisition Limited, as the vehicle to complete the deal.

And the Sheikh’s people insist they are now just waiting for Premier League ratification.

FAR EAST FORTUNE

Benitez is already being courted by Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang.

He has already turned down numerous big-money offers from the Far East during his Toon tenure.

But that has not put off Dalian, who are willing to pay him a salary of £12m-a-year.

He once admitted: “I could go away and make some money.

“If you go to China you can make a lot of money.”

BIG AL DEMANDS ANSWERS

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer tore into Ashley in his exclusive Sun Sport column today prior to the confirmation of Benitez’s exit.

The former England captain wrote: “Where is the respect for the thousands and thousands of loyal fans?

“There is not a jot of thought for them even though they are the lifeblood of that football club.

“They have been there a lot longer than Mike Ashley – and will be there long after he has gone.

“They deserve so much better as they are the best fans in the country.

“Nothing surprises me at Newcastle any more.

“But for the club to stay silent and seemingly let someone as talented and as special as Benitez leave for free, it really is a terrible situation.”