After more than a week of talks there is still no sign of Rafa Benitez signing a new contract with Newcastle United.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with the Celtic job over the last fortnight with his Newcastle deal set to run out at the end of June.
Benitez was unable to save Newcastle from relegation in 2016 but they bounced straight back up followed by two solid seasons in the EPL where they escaped the real dog fight to avoid relegation.
Transfer budgets rather than personal terms seem to be the main issue in the negotiations with Chronicle Live keeping Newcastle fans up to speed on developments.
Talks between Rafa Benitez and club chiefs are now into their ninth day following an initial face to face meeting in a secret location in London last week.
Those discussions have continued remotely – over the phone and via email – as both parties seek a positive conclusion that will see the Spaniard sign a new deal. Benitez is believed to have respectfully told both Roma and Marseille that his priority is extending his stay at St James’ Park.
According to the bookies Benitez, Davie Moyes and Neil Lennon are the three main contenders for the Celtic job although the club haven’t said anything since appointing Lennon as caretaker.
After today’s Scottish Cup Final the spotlight will firmly be on the Celtic board with Lennon expected to take a short holiday in Spain next week.