Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey believes holding on to manager Rafael Benitez would be the Magpies' most important signing of the off-season.
The Spanish tactician stuck with Newcastle when they were relegated in 2016 and led them back into the Premier League by winning the Championship at the first time of asking.
Many predicted that Newcastle would struggle to compete in the top flight, but Benitez managed to stave off relegation this season and the club now occupy 10th position in the standings.
However, Benitez's future at the club remains uncertain despite having a year left on his current contract and Shelvey insists it's crucial to hold on to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss.
"I have got a good feeling that the manager will stay and we will keep building and that will probably be the most important signing of the summer, making Rafa stay," he told Sky Sports.
"When I first came to the club there wasn't really a link between the fans and the players and he has just turned the whole city around.
"There is just such a buzz in Newcastle. Everywhere you go the fans are always talking to you and things like that.
"He has just turned the whole place around."
