Benitez wants new signing this week
Rafa Benitez wants to see a new signing arrive at Newcastle United before the Magpies’ FA Cup trip to Chelsea on Sunday.
The Magpies are yet to make a breakthrough in this month’s transfer window, though owner Mike Ashley last week gave Benitez and managing director Lee Charnley the “green light” to pursue their transfer targets.
Benitez – whose side lost 3-1 at Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday – is ready for an “important week” off the pitch ahead of Sunday’s fourth round cup tie at Chelsea.
“It’s going to be a very important week for us,” said Benitez.
“We’ve been working very hard to make sure we have the names who can help the team to stay up. We have the names. We gave a list to the owner. Now, it’s just a case of waiting to see if we can do what we have to do. “They know the names. They know what they have to do, and it doesn’t matter if it’s loans or permanent signings, we need the bodies to give the team the ability to manage.” Benitez is desperate to add top-flight experience. “This team was in the Championship and got promoted, and we don’t have much experience of the Premier League,” said Benitez.
“We need players with quality who can give us something different or experience. We’ll see how many we can get.
“I expect someone, but we will see. I don’t know how many we can get. It’s a little bit late now.”
Loan target Kenedy could face Newcastle in the FA Cup tie. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is not yet ready to loan out the Brazilian winger.