Benitez shares what Mike Ashley told him about Newcastle transfers in their last conversation

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Rafael Benitez is looking to bring new faces to Newcastle this month.

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has told Sky Sports that he has been reassured by owner Mike Ashley that he can bring in new signings before the January transfer window shuts.

The Magpies suffered a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday evening, with a Sergio Aguero hat-trick condemning them to defeat, as Jacob Murphy’s goal was little more than a consolation.

That result means Newcastle now sit 15th in the Premier League table, just two points clear of the relegation zone after just two wins in the last 15 Premier League games.

Whilst many teams in the Premier League are busy working on new signings during this month’s transfer window, there has been virtual silence from St. James’ Park over new additions.

The ongoing confusion over the club’s takeover situation has left Benitez in limbo over his budget, and fans have been concerned that Newcastle won’t land any reinforcements this month.

With a squad mostly featuring players that were in the Championship last season, Newcastle may find themselves mired in the relegation battle without any new signings, and manager Benitez has now offered an update on the situation.

Benitez has told Sky Sports that, in his last conversation with unpopular owner Mike Ashley, he was told that he had the green light to go and sign players after Amanda Staveley’s takeover bid hit the rocks.

Benitez added that he needs more experience and quality to aid his Newcastle side, and he has a list of targets to work through in the next 10 days.

“In my last conversation with Mike Ashley he said we have the green light to sign players and I would like to see some of them come in before 31 January and I have confidence we will do it,” said Benitez.

“It is obvious the team is working very hard and we need more experience and quality to help the team. We have a list of players and then we have to try our best to make sure that we bring in what we need,” he added.