Newcastle close in on FOUR signings '“ here's who they could be

Benitez is hoping to get his squad sorted as quickly as possible with the new season just six weeks away, and admitted he is nearing a transfer breakthrough.

“We are working very hard,” he said. “It’s not easy, because the market is so high. But we are fine. We have three or four things ready.

“When I say ready, it’s really, really nearly there, but we are waiting for someone who is working at another club and he needs to come back and sign the documents.”

For Benitez’s full comments on transfers, click here.

We take a look at who Newcastle could be on the verge of signing.

Alvaro Arbeloa

The Spanish full-back is well-known to Rafa Benitez, having managed him at both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

The 33-year-old is out of contract this summer, and will leave Madrid after appearing just nine times last season.

He could be the ideal player to lend experience to Newcastle’s promotion push.

Isaac Hayden

The Gazette revealed this week that Newcastle are weighing up a loan move for the 21-year-old Arsenal defender.

Hayden, who can also play in midfield, spent last season on loan at Hull City, helping them to promotion via the play-offs.

He looks set for another temporary move away from Arsenal this summer.

Steven Caulker

Another player with Championship experience, Caulker looks set to leave QPR this summer.

The centre-half scored in his one England appearance, but his career has stalled recently, and he spent a disappointing loan spell at Liverpool last season.

Still just 24, Caulker is in demand, however, with Sunderland, Crystal Palace and West Brom linked with the £7million-rated defender.

Danny Williams

The Magpies were linked with Reading midfielder Williams today.

The 27-year-old has just one year left on his contract, and has also been mentioned as a possible Sunderland target.

Reece Oxford

The highly-rated 17-year-old was linked with a loan move to Newcastle at the weekend.

Oxford is keen to get more first-team experience, and a move to the Championship might appeal to the West ham starlet.

Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig are also reportedly keen on the youngster, who can play in the back four or as a defensive midfielder.

Nano

Rafa Benitez is keen on exploring the Spanish market, and sources in his homeland claim that United have an interest in Tenerife youngster Nano.

The striker scored 14 league goals in 22 starts for the Segunda Division outfit, and has attracted interest also from Real Betis, as well as other La Liga clubs.

He would be available for around £1.8million.

Ross McCormack

The striker has long been linked with a move to Newcastle – but his price tag looks prohibitive.

McCormack has a £15million release clause in his Fulham contract, and while he bagged 21 goals in the Championship, United may be unwilling to pay that much for a 30-year-old.

Lee Tomlin

The former Middlesbrough playmaker emerged as a surprise potential target earlier this summer.

The 27-year-old failed to make an impression in the Premier League with Bournemouth, making just six league appearances.

He went on loan to Bristol City in January, however, and proved what he could do in the second tier, firing six goals in 18 appearances.