No changes to the transfer plan... whoever’s in charge

BENITEZ SAYS HE ALWAYS LOOKS AT BACK-UP OPTIONS

RAFA Benitez insists his approach to the January transfer window will not change dramatically, even if a prospective new Newcastle United owner injects funds into the club.

The Magpies’ manager is concentrating on his day-to-day job ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to St James’ Park today, rather than allowing his players to become distracted by the news the club is officially for sale.

Financier Amanda Staveley and her company PCP Capital Partners are one of a number of groups interested in buying United from Mike Ashley and it has been claimed they would hand Benitez a significant kitty in January if a takeover is completed by then.

However, Benitez stresses additional funds will not change his approach to the January window.

It is understood the Spaniard held a transfer meeting with his scouting department on Thursday at which potential targets for the mid-season window were discussed.

An attacking-midfielder, a striker and full-back cover are understood to be the areas Benitez is prioritising strengthening.

A larger transfer budget would make Benitez’s first-choice targets more attainable but he will attempt to sign them regardless of who the owner is - and then move on to back-up options if necessary.

“First of all, you have to look for the best players in the market,” Benitez said when asked if his approach to January would change if a new owner arrived. “Afterwards you think of the second, third and fourth options - but not because you have a new owner or not. “We are working on different names and different levels.” “It is too early but we have been working hard. We will have the targets identified.” Benitez has been briefed on an almost-daily basis by managing director Lee Charnley on how the sale of the club is progressing and was pre-warned about Monday’s official statement.

But the Spaniard is unconcerned by the off-field developments at St James’ Park.

“I was talking with Lee this morning, and anyway I was telling him I don’t need to know all the details because it won’t change anything for me on a daily basis,” Benitez added.

“The exact date [I found out the club was for sale] I don’t know but it doesn’t change anything. They told me they would announce something but it’s not a big issue.”

You think of the second, third and fourth options - but not because you have a new owner or not Rafa Benitez