Players not in Rafa’s plans need to find a solution, says boss

RAFA Benitez has told the Newcastle United players who are surplus to requirements that they “have to find a solution” to their futures as soon as possible.

The Magpies’ failure to offload high earners is hampering Benitez’s ability to make further additions to his firstteam squad, with Martin Dubravka, Kenedy and Ki Sung-yueng the only signings United have made so far this summer.

During Newcastle’s week-long training camp at Carton House in the Republic of Ireland, Benitez admitted that United’s lack of business so far this summer has led him to conclude that the Magpies must sell before they can buy - despite the more-than £123million the club made from the Premier League last season, and the £50m lump-sum payment they are due this month too.

With the likes of Matz Sels, Henri Saivet, Achraf Lazaar and Jack Colback still on the books at St James’ Park, the club’s wage bill remains inflated.

But the fact neither Aleksandar Mitrovic nor Chancel Mbemba – who are wanted by Fulham and Porto respectively – have been sold yet means Benitez has been unable to reinvest those potential funds into his squad.

In terms of the unwanted players, Saivet did not travel to Ireland after having a minor operation, while Lazaar played for the Under-23s at Barrow on Monday evening.

Colback, however, is already in talks with Nottingham Forest about returning to the City Ground, and Benitez is hopeful the midfielder will be offloaded soon enough.

“Henri had a minor operation which is nothing serious and that’s the reason he’s not around,” Benitez said out in Ireland. The other players, they know because I told them I wanted to keep a smaller squad with players who will be part of the future. The others know they have to find a solution.

“It’s the same situation [with Colback].

“He’s already talking with a club and then I think he will find a solution.”

Mitrovic, meanwhile, is wanted by Fulham – who are prepared to pay £20m for the striker – and Benitez believes an agreement with the Cottagers could be close.