Newcastle United skipper Jamaal Lascelles has reportedly brokered a new bonus deal for the squad with owner Mike Ashley.
The club's players were in line to share a bonus of £1m if the Magpies survive in the Premier League this term, but according to the Shields Gazette, the players "wanted a bonus sheet more in line with those signed off at rival clubs".
The newspaper claims that "the behind-the-scenes row was threatening to impact dressing room morale at the club", prompting Lascelles to take the matter into his own hands and broker a new deal with Ashley late last week.
As a result of the discussions, the squad will now share a pot of £4m if they finish in 17th place, with a further £1m for every place higher up the table that they finish. In addition, Ashley is said to have offered a bonus of £20m if the club win the FA Cup for the first time since 1955.
Last season's 17th-placed side earned £7.9m as a league merit payment, with each position higher netting an additional £1.9m.
After a slow start to the season, Rafael Benitez's side have now won their last two games in a row and sit 10th in the early standings.
Neil Wilkes
