Rafa Benitez says he is still hopeful that Newcastle United will manage to bring in some new additions before the transfer window slams shut tomorrow.
The Magpies have only managed to lure Kenedy on loan from Chelsea so far this month and the mood on Tyneside is downbeat after the club were pipped to the signature of Daniel Sturridge last night after the striker opted to join West Bromwich Albion.
Speaking in his pre-match: Rafa on striker search: “We have some time. We have an important game tomorrow so I will not talk about the transfer window.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez (Image: Newcastle United)
“I will focus on the game and not lose energy on that. Still we have time. I am still confident we can do something but I won’t talk much about it.
“Yes we are working on names as we have been working for more than on month on.
“We have a list. Still we have some time. We have an important game and I want to concentrate on that.”
Benitez also stated that Mikel Merino wasn’t for sale despite a link with Athletic Bilbao. Aleksandar Mitrovic has also been linked with Anderlecht.
poll loading
10000+ VOTES SO FAR
Yes No
When speaking about outgoing business Benitez said: “We have two or three players talking with different clubs.
“We can see if anything will happen, but it depends on players coming too. Nothing is finished yet with those deals, so we will see.”
And on Merino he said: Rafa on Merino to Bilbao: “I had some messages from Spanish journalists about him, but I told them no.”
Benitez, though, was more guarded on the Sturridge story. He said: Rafa on Sturridge: “We don’t talk about the transfer window.
“We are near the bottom of the table but we must try to compete. We will wait and see what happens.”