Newcastle United transfer news: Benitez closes in on new defender, injury blow for forward, season ticket sales soar

Season ticket sales have rocketed past last season’s total - with the first league game at St. James’ Park still a full month away.

Despite relegation to the SkyBet Championship, more than 33,000 supporters have already renewed or purchased a season ticket with a month still to go until the first league game at St James's Park.

Fellow supporters now have a four-week general sale period in which to secure their seats ahead of the home league opener.

Huddersfield Town will be the first Championship visitors to Tyneside on Saturday 13th August (3pm kick-off), eight days after United get the league season under way at Fulham, live on Sky Sports.

Following last week’s deadline for existing season ticket holders, a limited number of seats have now become available in the stadium’s popular Family Area, offering a full season of football from £329 for adults and £68 for juniors.

Prices include a stadium-wide 10% discount on all season tickets, which was announced by the club in May - adding to a previous reduction of up to 54% on all junior season ticket prices announced in February.

For more information visit the club's website.

Meanwhile, injury-hit Siem de Jong is in the wars again.

The Dutch forward, whose career at Newcastle has been blighted by injuries, has returned to Tyneside from the club's training camp in Dublin with a hamstring injury.

Follow the latest developments via our NUFC Facebook page:And finally, the club is hopeful of a defensive breakthrough ahead of their opening pre-season friendly tomorrow afternoon.

Rafa Benitez needs to strengthen his defence after the departures of Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor.

United have had two bids for Blackburn Rovers’ Grant Hanley rejected and Rovers manager Owen Coyle has warned their their second £4.5million offer was “nowhere near” enough to land the 24-year-old.

The Magpies have also inquired about Queens Park Rangers’ Steven Caulker, while Bristol City’s Aden Flint has also been considered.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Tom Lees has also been linked with United, who open their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Bohemian at Dalymount Park, Dublin tomorrow (2pm kick-off).

For the full story click here: