Boss keeps eye fixed on Lazaar
leaving winter recruitment until the last minute like they did at the start of this year.
It is understood November has been identified as the key month to get the club’s shortlist narrowed down. United’s bid for a striker resulted in a longwinded and unsuccessful chase for Nicolai Jorgensen after a failed £15m bid for the Danish international. Back then Feyenoord demanded £20m but Newcastle managing-director Lee Charnley refused to raise the stakes.
Newcastle then turned to Daniel Sturridge on loan - only for the player to snub the Magpies in favour of a move to West Brom.
It meant United had to bring in Islam Slimani from Leicester City on loan but the player was not fit on arrival and struggled to make an impact.
Benitez wants to avoid another nightmare scenario – not least with every point expected to be vital following the club’s poor start to the campaign.
United have already gone on record, via the club’s fan forum, to reveal they are eyeing a left-back in January.
However, Benitez’s other big priority is bringing in a winger.
The former Real Madrid manager is concerned about the lack of chances created so far for his strikers.
The likes of Joselu, Salomon Rondon, Yoshinori Muto and Ayoze Perez have suffered from poor ratings in the football media but inside the Toon camp there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes to provide more opportunities in front of goal.
Muto did get off the mark at Old Trafford earlier this month and is looking to add to his tally against Brighton this weekend.
Now, United’s coaching staff will be looking for more from Kenedy, Matt Ritchie, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu. ACHRAF Lazaar has been handed a glimmer of hope at Newcastle United after Rafa Benitez revealed he is monitoring the Morocco international’s progress.
The left-sided player vowed to fight on at St James’ Park after a move to Genoa was called off on deadline day – despite the player flying out to Italy to tie up the deal.
Since then Lazaar has asked to play for the reserves and has 101 minutes in the bank after playing in games against Fulham and Notts County.
Lazaar’s two run-outs for the second string resulted in three assists, Benitez attending one of the games at Whitley Park two weeks ago.
Benitez told the Chronicle: “I was there to watch everyone.
“However, it is a positive for Lazaar to want to be involved with the under-23s.
“It is something we will keep an eye on.
“For us it is important to know what all of our players are doing.”
United’s next reserve fixture takes place on Monday night at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium against Aston Villa in Premier League 2.
The Magpies have picked up their form after a recent slump.
With new coach Neil Redfearn on board there is a buzz around the second string at the moment.
Benitez added: “I have met Neil to say hello.
“I have not seen them training yet.
“However, I give credit to Ben
(Dawson) for recent results and he is in charge.”