RAFA RAMPS IT UP!
Joselu’s first of five deals
RAFA BENITEZ wants FOUR more signings after sealing a £5m move for Stoke’s Joselu.
The striker, 27, is set to become Newcastle’s sixth capture since the end of last season after passing a medical and agreeing terms on a £50,000-a-week move.
But busy boss Benitez wants to take his number of new recruits into double figures before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.
Former Spain Under-21 international Joselu is keen to rebuild his Premier League career after being farmed out by Stoke on loan to Deportivo la Coruna last season.
Confident
That came after a disappointing first season in the Potteries, when he scored four goals in 22 league appearances, following a £5.75m move from Hanover in 2015.
Despite Toon owner Mike Ashley warning that he won’t spend big, Benitez is also confident of pushing through a loan deal for Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Kenedy.
The Spaniard is also keen on £3m-rated Legia Warsaw central defender Michal Pazdan, Arsenal striker Lucas Perez and Udinese’s Greece international keeper Orestis Karnezis, 32, who is available for £3.5m.
Massadio Haidara, Tim Krul, Manu Riviere and Jack Colback are all expected to leave the club in the next few days.
And Benitez has been boosted by news that crocked duo Florian Lejeune and Paul Dummett look set to return after next month’s international break.
The pair limped out of Sunday’s 2-0 opening defeat by Tottenham – Dummett pulling a ® hamstring and French debutant Lejeune with badly damaged ankle ligaments after a nasty scissor challenge from England striker Harry Kane.
It had been feared both defenders could be out for lengthy spells.
But the club are now hopeful the two will be back for the trip to Swansea on September 10.
That means they will miss Sunday’s journey to Huddersfield and West Ham’s visit to St James’ Park a week later.
Toon skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba are set to deputise in the back four at the John Smith’s Stadium.
A club statement said: “Assessments are still continuing to establish the full extent of their injuries.
“Both are expected to be out for weeks, rather than months.”