Benitez needs to know what is in the kitty

RAFA Benitez believes Newcastle United cannot move on in the transfer market until he learns exactly how much he has to spend in the January window.

The Toon boss is eager to bring in more quality and experience to his squad after a concerning end-ofyear dip in performances, which Benitez feels is largely down to the lack of senior men available to him.

The Spaniard has been linked with a host of names in the last week or so, but knows he cannot think about signing any of them until he can plan accordingly.

The former Liverpool boss has met with managing-director Lee Charnley but he is yet to report back with details of his transfer kitty.

Benitez said today: “It is important to know because we are working really hard with the scouts and watching games and players everywhere.

“We have a lot of names but we cannot progress until we know exactly how much we have.” Toon owner Mike Ashley is currently in the United States.

However, he did meet Amanda Staveley last week for face-to-face talks over the possible sale of the Magpies.

Staveley - who is spearheading PCP Capital Partners - is yet to agree on a price with Ashley.

As other clubs jockey for position ahead of the January window, Benitez knows Newcastle cannot afford to be left behind.