MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 23:04:13| >> :120:23672:23672:

Rafael Benitez expects another 'difficult' January transfer window

The Magpies have been linked to a string of big money stars.

Rafael Benitez has moved to dampen expectations ahead of the January transfer window by admitting it will be a "difficult" time to improve his squad.

The Magpies have been linked to a string of big money stars with Atlanta United striker Miguel Almiron reportedly top of the club's wanted list.

Two straight wins have eased the pressure on Benitez ahead of Monday's Premier League trip to Burnley and he might have to continue relying on his current squad to haul themselves further to safety.

Benitez said: "It's January so it's quite difficult – it's not a question of much (money), it's a question of how to find the right player.

"It's quite a difficult window because the top-class players normally are playing in the Champions League and with top teams, so it's very difficult for them to change.

"We don't have too many options so we have to keep working hard and if we find the right player then we have to start talking about that."

Benitez's plans suffered a setback during the international break when defender Paul Dummett suffered a calf injury playing for Wales against Denmark, ruling him out of the trip to Turf Moor and possibly beyond.

But he is not short of options, especially at the back with the imminent return of Florian Lejeune likely to give him additional strength for the pivotal Christmas period.

Lejeune has been ruled out with a serious knee injury since July but is making faster than expected progress and has begun to take part in some training sessions at the club's Benton base.

"Lejeune is still not available but he has been doing a full training session with the team so he is getting closer," added Benitez.

"It is important for any manager to have competition in each position, so when you have a player like him who did so well last season, it means the other players are competing for the place will give everything."

Benitez has a trio of further injury concerns ahead of the Burnley game, with skipper Jamaal Lascelles (shoulder) and Jonjo Shelvey and Yoshinori Muto (both calf) facing further tests over the weekend.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Mark Staniforth, Press Association Sport');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '09efefc4-12c1-4dff-abe5-7550c721b57c');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Rafael Benitez expects another \u2018difficult\u2019 January transfer window'});

ID:342270: cacheID:342270:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4583:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Dwight Gayle in action for West Bromwich Albion on September 1, 2018
Read Next:
Dwight Gayle hints at long-term Albion stay
>
Read more about Rafael Benitez Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
OT
Vikings
30-27
Bears
FT
Lions
24-6
Colts
FT
Patriots
15-34
Dolphins
FT
Buccaneers
30-7
Giants
FT
Chiefs
30-27
Panthers
FT
Titans
32-27
Texans
FT
Cowboys
34-26
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds1695228121632
2Sunderland1695226121432
3Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1610422191232
4Burnley168621961330
5Middlesbrough1683529191027
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom166821811726
7Watford168262524126
8Millwall166641914524
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City165742020022
11Derby CountyDerby165562020020
12Stoke CityStoke165561920-120
13Norwich CityNorwich164752524119
14Swansea CitySwansea165471414019
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds165471826-819
16Luton TownLuton165381826-818
17Coventry CityCoventry164572223-117
18Oxford UnitedOxford Utd164571924-517
19Plymouth ArgylePlymouth164571728-1117
20Preston North EndPreston163761624-816
21Cardiff CityCardiff164481524-916
22Hull City163671621-515
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR161871326-1311


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!