Newcastle fear Rafa Benitez could let contract expire and leave them without a manager in July

NEWCASTLE fear Rafa Benitez could run down his contract – and leave the club in crisis on July 1.

The Magpies manager has been offered an extension to his current deal, which expires on June 30.

But despite briefly chatting to managing director Lee Charnley at the club’s training ground on Monday, Benitez has given no indication as to whether he is going to sign new terms.

And while Newcastle chiefs are still hoping the Spaniard stays, they are increasingly worried he will walk away at the end of the month and leave them starting pre-season without a boss.

Charnley has purposely not approached other managers with Benitez still under contract.

But he will soon be forced to look at alternatives with just 18 days to go before the 2005 Champions League-winning chief can leave.

Benitez is understood to be concerned about the prospect of having less control of recruitment when he actually wanted more power.

And matters have also been muddied by owner Mike Ashley’s talks to sell to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

UNCERTAINTY

Benitez, who surprised Charnley with his visit to Newcastle’s Benton HQ this week, has been told it is business as usual regarding the club’s ownership.

But he wants to know what a possible takeover would mean for him and he has had no contact from representatives of the Sheikh.

Newcastle’s players are due to return to pre-season training on July 4.

And if Benitez and his backroom staff go, new Under-23s boss Neil Redfearn may have to take temporary charge of first-team matters.

The Toon’s first friendly is against Wolves in the Premier League’s Asia Trophy in China on July 17.

But the bigger concern is how the uncertainty over the manager is holding up progress in the transfer window – both incomings and outgoings.

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Newcastle must get deals done before the window shuts on August 8.

But they will not sanction any sales or arrivals until they know who will be in charge.

That means many current players are in limbo over their own futures, while the recruitment drive for new boys has taken a backseat.

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