With takeover talk dominating the agenda for Newcastle fans, it must not distract from the club’s main priority – Rafa Benitez.
Securing the Spaniard’s signature was the single most important deal this summer, and that has not changed now.
Takeover news rightly has fans excited, but it has not changed the fact that another week has passed without a Rafa agreement.
Irrespective of the club’s ownership, the whole Benitez scenario needs to be concluded.
It is arguable whether prospective new owners could find a better – or more popular – man to run the club.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Will potential takeover affect the Benitez negotiations?
The length of time it is taking to reach a decision is already concerning supporters, who are desperate for news.
They will hope the takeover news will not affect the delicate negotiations. But what will Mike Ashley’s approach to the talks be now?
With Benitez being such an integral cog in the Newcastle machine, he may want to have Rafa tied down before any sale is concluded.
Previous potential buyers insisted having Rafa in charge was pivotal, and similar noises have been made this weekend. That could hasten a decision between club and manager.
However, on the flip-side, Ashley could simply ask himself why he should bother.
If the club is soon to be someone else’s concern, he could simply wash his hands of the whole situation, and let it become their problem to sort.
Fans will hope Rafa is key to any sale
It must be hoped that any bid hinges on Benitez being at the club, which would surely see imminent movement on talks.
It remains to be seen how Rafa feels about the current situation too. He was said to be “unaware” of any prospective sale, according to the Daily Star.
If talks have stalled, will he want to hold out until a sale is finalised, before sitting down with the new ownership? Or will he be urged to commit to the club in the hope of increasing the likelihood of a sale?
The fact is, other than Lee Charnley, Ashley and Benitez, no one knows where talks currently stand.
Whoever the owner is, Newcastle United’s future plans must include Rafa Benitez