Rafa Benitez delivers blunt messsage on transfers as Aleksandar Mitrovic returns to Newcastle
The club has signed three players – Kenedy, Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-yueng – so far this summer.
And Benitez wants to sign up to five more players in the transfer window.
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Hide AdHowever, United’s manager, involved in a stand-off with owner Mike Ashley over his budget and a new contract, is having to sell to buy.
While Newcastle’s rivals are spending heavily, Benitez is having to scour the transfer market for bargains.
Speaking after last night’s 2-2 friendly draw at Hull City, Benitez said: “Is the current squad good enough for what we need? I don’t think so.
“It needs additions – that’s clear. It’s clear what we have to do.”
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Hide AdBenitez – who met Ashley for talks in the summer – is speaking daily with managing director Lee Charnley
“I’m speaking with Lee Charnley every day, but not with him (Ashley),” said Benitez.
“Normally, during the year, I do not speak with him too much. In this case, I talk with Lee Charnley every day.
“The main thing is to do what we have to do – I do not have to speak to Mike.”
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Hide AdBenitez will take his team to Portugal later this week for games against Porto and Braga. “There could be a new signing in time for Portugal, but then I was expecting things before,” said Benitez.
“As I have said before, if we have new players coming, it will be good. It will be better than nothing.
Asked if there was money available, Benitez added: “That is a question for Lee Charnley.”
Meanwhile, United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, wanted by Fulham, is due to report back to the club today.
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Hide Ad“He has to come back,” said Benitez. “We need to check on how he is, and then we’ll decide if he will go to Portugal.
“It ‘s a day off for the rest of the squad, so we have some time to see how things are.”
Mitrovic spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham.