The Chronicle

RAFA TARGETS TWO IN TWO WEEKS

TOON BOSS WORKS AROUND THE CLOCK TO BRING IN NEW SIGNINGS

- By Lee Ryder

Chief Sports Writer RAFA Benitez is working around the clock to ensure Newcastle United make an early breakthrou­gh in the transfer market this summer.

The United chief knows the Magpies have no time to waste with some Premier League clubs making lightning-quick starts on the recruitmen­t front.

Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal have all already off the mark before the window opens.

But while other top flight bosses are currently on holiday, Benitez has stayed in the UK to push through as much work off the field as possible.

So far that has only resulted in the permanent arrival of Christian Atsu, who completed his £6.2million move from Chelsea last week.

But Benitez is hopeful of bringing in a new face or two by mid-June at the latest.

Yet it is believed Benitez is eager for a deal even earlier as he looks to bring in at least five or six new players in time for the start of pre-season training.

Benitez’s first summer buy last year arrived on June 28 with Matz Sels coming in from Belgian side Gent.

Sels could be one of the first players to leave with Anderlecht already making contact with the goalkeeper’s representa­tives over a potential loan deal.

United have been linked with Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala and a host of another names so far this summer.

And it’s no secret Newcastle have upped the amount of enquiries on players compared to previous managerial regimes.

Benitez is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to targets but his initial wanted list was submitted more than two weeks ago.

The Newcastle boss is working closely with managing director Lee Charnley to net the first new face of the summer.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Christian Atsu has already signed
Christian Atsu has already signed

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