Rafael Benitez wants to bring experienced players to Newcastle United in January

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Newcastle United are determined to improve their squad in the January transfer window.

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that he will look to bring experienced players to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window.

Benitez is not interested in planning for the long-term, with Newcastle’s Premier League future far from secure.

Newcastle are currently in 14th place in the top flight, but they have failed to win any of their last six matches, which has caused them to be looking nervously over their shoulders.

And Benitez admits that his January targets are players who can improve Newcastle in the immediate future, rather than over the years ahead.

The Spanish boss said: “The priority is to stay in the Premier League – not find the next best player for the next 10 years. We must make sure we have what we need to compete.

“We need to have the experience, physicality and quality to improve the team.”

Newcastle’s budget in the January transfer window is likely to be decided by whether the takeover goes through before the start of the year.

Amanda Staveley is attempting to by the club off Mike Ashley, and if she manages to agree a deal then Benitez is likely to be given sizeable funds to invest.

However, if Ashley remains in charge then Benitez could have to operate with a very limited budget, which means he could miss out on many of his first-choice targets again.