Benitez: I’ve made it clear on transfers

Rafa Benitez says he’s made it “clear” to Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley what he needs in the transfer window.

Benitez says he’s still waiting to find out his budget for this month’s window – 12 days after it opened, with the Tynesiders just two points above the Premier League drop zone.

Benitez spoke to Ashley (pictured) – who returned from a holiday in the USA this week – last month. And the 57-year-old gave the billionaire his ideas for the window.

“We have to think we will do something before January 31,” said Benitez. “I’ve made it clear we need some help. We need to strengthen certain positions.

“We still have some weeks to go and have to keep working and try to do our best.”

Newcastle have been in discussions with Chelsea about a loan deal for winger Kenedy.

Benitez said: “I thought that we could sign a player this week, but we couldn’t do it. So more or less the same.”

Asked if there was a chance of history repeating itself, following a lack of signings last January, Benitez added: “I hope not, because we’re working on a list of players and we have some names.My belief is that we will do what we have to do.”