RAFAEL BENITEZ insists it would be wrong to assume he will automatically sign a new contract just because Newcastle United finally broke their long-standing transfer record to sign Miguel Almiron.

Benitez’s future beyond the end of the season has been the subject of considerable conjecture in the last few weeks, with the Spaniard’s current deal due to expire in the summer.

It had been feared he would sever his ties with the Magpies if Mike Ashley failed to provide significant backing in the January transfer window, but the Newcastle owner sanctioned the £20.7m signing of Almiron and also facilitated the arrival on Antonio Barreca on a season-long loan.

Newcastle fans had hoped that would increase the likelihood of Benitez signing a new contract, but the Magpies manager refused to clarify his future plans as he once again fudged the issue of his long-term plans.

Benitez said: “I didn’t say if we don’t sign players, I will leave. I will not say now that because we have signed two players, I will sign. We have plenty of time to talk. The most important thing is to concentrate on the next games. My focus was to make sure we had new players.”

Benitez also defended his refusal to discuss transfer matters throughout January, while expressing satisfaction at the arrival of Almiron and Barreca.

Benitez said: “I was trying to concentrate on football, but people were asking me questions about the transfer window. I thought it was best not to answer.

“If I said something, people could say it was right and wrong and it could have affected the confidence of the players, staff and fans. It is finished now and we can move forward.

“I always use a crucial word – balance. I am quite pragmatic and I am happier now than one week ago. Why? Because we won against Man City and have bought two players who give us something we didn’t have.

“We needed to fill some gaps in terms of positions and characteristics of players, they are offensive players and now we are better than before. If they can give us what we are expecting, we will be in a better position.

“We are better equipped for the last 15 games. That’s it. I am pragmatic and realistic. I think we have balance, and we are in a better position now. I have to be happier than I was before.”