Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has told boss Rafa Benitez : “Judge me in the summer.”

The Spaniard was furious after the club failed to sign any of his January window targets, including their former winger Andros Townsend.

But a St James’ Park insider told Sunday Mirror Sport that Ashley is committed to buying big this summer, if his Magpies win promotion back to the Premier League.

The club hierarchy are disappointed at Benitez going public over their handling of the January window.

They felt it was bad business to bring in top players in January who would probably be sold at a loss in the summer if Toon end up staying in the Championship – and they insist the manager was well aware of their position.

(Image: Newcastle United via Getty)

Benitez, for his part, is not convinced the current squad — who top the division and are six points clear of third-placed Reading after Saturday's win over Derby — is good enough to guarantee a return to the big time, and was desperate to strengthen in the winter window.

Townsend was only ever likely to return on a loan, following his £11million summer move from Newcastle to Crystal Palace. But the Geordies refused to meet the terms of a £2m loan fee, coupled with a further £13m payment in the summer.

(Image: Getty)

Ashley, one of the biggest spenders last time Newcastle won promotion from the Championship, has indicated he will dig deep again once they are back in the top flight.

But he is adamant it's going to be done his way – something that will give Benitez food for thought over the coming months.

The Spaniard has indicated he will not quit but has refused to give assurances about his long-term future beyond the end of the season, when Ashley’s plans are set to move into sharper focus.