Rafa hopes for good news about takeover plans
RAFA Benitez is hoping to hear positive news about Newcastle United’s takeover bid in the next few days.
Benitez – United’s only public speaker who has contact with the club hierarchy – was asked several questions about where the club stand on a potential sale.
With the January transfer window also set to open soon, Benitez is also waiting for a meeting with managing -director Lee Charnley.
Regardless of whether the club is sold, Benitez still needs to strengthen his squad.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s Everton game, Benitez said: “Hopefully after the Everton game we will have a win and some news and people will be happy.”
With some clubs already getting deals in place for new players, Benitez added: “Still we are monitoring and talking to players but still we do not know how much money is available.
“I don’t know if it will be loans or permanent yet, I don’t know budget from a corner or a free-kick or a good counter-attack. “We cannot make mistakes on the pitch. “The approach has to be similar. We have to have confidence and give everything. “We are doing that already but do we have to change anything because we are losing? “No, we have to go back to doing the things we were doing right and repeat them over again.” but I hope to know soon. I met Lee Charnley the other day and I hope to have answer soon.”
Benitez knows his side have come under fire in recent weeks with TV pundits feeling United are relegation material.
On Alan Shearer’s comments about the need for signings, he said: “We know our job, pundits know their jobs. Everybody has an opinion.
“The main thing for me, it is not rocket science, is we need players in some positions and we will try.” EVERTON will not come to St James’ Park and try anything fancy under Big Sam.
They had just 21% of the ball in the Merseyside derby and calmly walked away with a good point and Allardyce will again be content to nullify Newcastle in this one.
Everton have not lost since the former United boss walked through the door but he has more work to do and the Toffees are still weak in certain areas.
Newcastle can hurt them out wide if they can get Jacob Murphy, Christian Atsu or Matt Ritchie on the ball.
I definitely expect Newcastle to get on the scoresheet like they have in recent games - but whether they can hold on to a lead is up for debate.
Perhaps a home point is on the cards as Newcastle look to stop the rot. NEIL SWARBRICK (Lancashire) Swarbrick was last at St James’ Park for the 3-0 win over West Ham in August.