After winning promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship on the final day of the season, and now seemingly committed his future to the club after meeting with owner Mike Ashley after meeting with owner Mike Ashley, Rafa Benitez is set to have cash to splash as he looks to put together a Newcastle United squad capable of remaining in the Premier League and not suffering immediate relegation to the second tier.
The talk is that the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss will have 'every last penny' available to him when it comes to summer transfer plans, with Sky Sports reporting that Benitez has been promised a transfer budget of more than £70 million, while Dominic King from the Daily Mail says the Magpies boss is looking to get a £100m overhaul under way by going after two Manchester City players.
Image: PA
Advert
According to the report, Benitez has been in touch with City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain regarding City outcasts Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala.
The duo arrived from Porto in Manuel Pellegrini's second transfer window and now look surplus to requirements three years on.
Fernando arrived from a fee believed to be in the region of £12m and has made just 12 appearances in the Premier League this season. It is understood that Guardiola would have no issues letting him leave in search for regular game-time as the Blues already have a wealth of midfielders in the ranks, and are also set to improve in that position in the summer window.
Image: PA
Advert
As for Mangala, he failed to settle in England after his £42m move from Porto and was loaned out to Valencia for the current campaign. Even with City's defensive issues this season, the Frenchman has no future at the club, and with Valencia not triggering their option to sign him up permanently, Newcastle could swoop in.
Image: PA
Meanwhile after his meeting with Ashley, Benitez is feeling positive about next season.
Advert
He said:
"I'm pleased with how the meeting went and the positive approach we are all taking together to build on what we have started this season.
"There will be challenges ahead of course, the summer will not be easy, but the hard work has been going on for some time and we can now continue positively with the development of the squad ahead of the start of the new season. I wish fans an enjoyable summer!"
Newcastle fans, would you welcome the additions of Fernando and Mangala? Who else would you like to see the club go for?
Advert
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Rafa Benitez, Newcastle United