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Money Talks: Newcastle must spend £16m to sack McClaren and pay Benitez
NEWCASTLE face an £16million bill over their change of manager.
Benitez (right) is expected to replace McClaren at St James' Park
The beleaguered Premier League club are on the verge of sacking boss Steve McClaren after a disastrous campaign so far.
They sit 19th in the table with 10 games to save their top-flight status.
Rafael Benitez has been earmarked in as McClaren's replacement and Express Sport understand Newcastle want the Spaniard in charge by Monday, when they travel to league leaders Leicester.
Newcastle operate under a system whereby the boss is 'head coach' rather than 'manager', leaving back room duties to others.
Benitez is reportedly not willing to be employed if he does not have final say on certain aspects of how the club and team is run.
Newcastle are willing to hand Benitez a £12m, three-year contract.
They will also throw in £2m as a reward if Benitez keeps the Toon in the top flight.
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With owner Mike Ashley abroad, Charnley is tasked with then brokering McClaren's severance package.
That could be worth as much as £2m as the former England and Middlesborough boss fights his corner.
McClaren has taken training this week and is expected at the club as usual today.
He has been given £83m to spend on players since arriving from Derby last summer but has so far steered Newcastle to just six league wins all season.
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