Football
Reuters 6y

Newcastle must 'wheel and deal' in transfer window, says Rafa Benitez

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has said the club must "wheel and deal" in the current transfer market as they chase realistic targets ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Magpies have so far re-signed Kenedy on loan from Chelsea, South Korea captain Ki Sung-Yueng on a free transfer after he left Swansea City and Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for an undisclosed fee from Sparta Prague.

Benitez, who led Newcastle to 10th-place finish on their return to the top flight last term, said he was doing everything to strengthen the squad but must operate on a tight budget.

"Unfortunately it's what we have to do," Benitez told Sky Sports on Tuesday. "We have to wheel and deal, that is the way for us. And then we try to continue doing the right things.

"We are trying to sign a characteristic of players, it's not just names, big names, because they will be too expensive for us, but we are trying to sign players that can do a job for the team.

"As soon as the price goes a little bit higher, I know that we cannot buy them, so we have to be realistic with our budget, and then maybe sell some players and buy some players."

British media reports have linked Stoke City with Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie but Benitez confirmed the club are not looking to sell the player.

"We are in the same position as we were last year. He's our player, we're happy with him and we don't want to sell him," the Spaniard added.

"To do a move, too many things have to happen at the same time. I was talking with him this morning, I don't see any change with the situation."

Newcastle kick off their league campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 11.

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