Please Rafa, sign the contract! For all that Newcastle fans aren’t surprised a deal is yet to be agreed, they’re so desperate to see Benitez stay at St James’ Park beyond this season. He just has to, there's simply no other option. 

Clearly, there would be a tremendous boost around the ground should the Spaniard stay and it could help Newcastle sustain a better future. The Mike Ashley era has given fans precious little reason to smile but the sight of the former Liverpool boss extending his deal would do exactly that.

Though whether or not it will happen is another matter and that is desperately worrying those adoring fans.

For all that Rafa Benitez has done for the club, it would be horrendous to see him leave and that's why Mike Ashley needs him to sign a new contract and then make available a stunning war-chest that will ensure Newcastle are very active in the summer transfer window.

Big signings are the ones that fans dream about and Atletico Madrid's Gelson Martins would certainly be a player who fits that category.

Martins, (who is valued at £25.2 million on Transfermarkt) was a January target for Newcastle (as per Sky Sports), at least until Monaco swooped in and stole him away at the last minute.

Since, the Portuguese winger has scored three times in nine appearances, helping Monaco consequently steer clear of the relegation zone. Though Newcastle seem to be alright and will play Premier League football next season, the addition of Gelson Martins would have been tremendous and could of help seen a more rampant move up the table.

If they have the audacity to try again in the summer, a wing-wizard with the quality that Martins possesses is exactly what they need. Explosive and unpredictable, he'd offer the ultimate upgrade on wide options such as Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie, as well as making a statement in the transfer market.

Clearly, there's interest there and surely Monaco will undergo major changes - they already have since Martins' arrival in January - so perhaps the Toon Army would be wise to try and relaunch a move. Things haven't worked out in the Spanish capital but the former Sporting Lisbon ace is so obviously a talent.

With pace in abundance, skill and overall end product, Martins is still only 23 and therefore has time on his side to really adapt to life in Newcastle.

Do you agree that Newcastle should try and sign Martins again? If not, why not? Let us know!