I WON’T LET THE CLINCH STEAL XMAS PREMIER LEAGUE

Takeover talk ruined festive spending plans last year..it must not happen this time says Rafa

RAFA BENITEZ warned Newcastle’s January transfer plans cannot be wrecked by takeover talk.

Owner Mike Ashley has claimed he is closer than ever to selling up for £325million.

But when a similar buy-out scenario unfolded a year ago Benitez struggled to get any money to spend. He says “all the potential is there” for a new owner to exploit – but insisted it must be “business as usual” for him and his players. Last night Arthur Blank, owner of an Atlanta-based sports empire including the NFL’S Atlanta Falcons, denied he was one of the bidders for the

Geordies.

Benitez said:

“The potential, the city, it is there. Why are we here? Because of that.

“I will say that I hope it will not be a distraction. Why? Because the players know that they have to perform. “When we say, ‘Business as usual’ it’s because we know that it will not change our plans. “Our plans are to look for the transfer targets. It depends who is there and who is available.

“We carry on thinking that Mike will be there, and we have to choose the right players.” As for their transfer targets, Newcastle have Atlanta MLS star Miguel Almiron high up on their list.

The player has been scouted and details of a proposed deal discussed. However Newcastle have to decide whether to make their move.

Benitez refused to comment on Almiron, adding: “We have been here before. We will see where we can go.

“For me, as a manager, managing director Lee Charnley told me that it is ‘Business as usual’. So will we change what we do? No.

“Steve Nickson will continue working and watching players, giving me names, and that’s it.

“I am the manager and I am not in charge of the financial part of the business. So it’s just for me to concentrate on football.”

Newcastle face a tough trip to bigspending Everton tonight, having lost to West Ham after three wins.

Benitez says Newcastle are “underdogs” against any sides this season, especially sixth-placed Everton.

He added: “I would be happy to win against Everton. This year, we can be underdogs anywhere, and we have to change that on the pitch.

“You see the derby against Liverpool and the level of Everton and you understand they can spend on one player maybe more than we spend in a total window – that’s the difference.”

Benitez has backed Everton keeper Jordan Pickford to overcome his Mersey derby calamity.

He said: “I think he’s a great keeper. We are talking about a player that has the passion, you can see that in the way he approaches games.

“We can talk about this for a while but we will not talk about a chance missed for a striker. You can see he has the character.”