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It could be as suggested that McClaren has already been told he's been sacked but Newcastle won't move until Benitez has officially signed. It's suggested he expects complete control over the transfer dealings at the club along with £70 million to spend (which was guaranteed anyway for any manager)

The stall appears to be on his contract length with other suggestions saying he want's to first sign an interim deal that would then see him get an new contract with the above transfer dealings penned in should Newcastle survive, but then also insuring himself against Newcastle going down by having the ability to walk away.