Rafael Benitez: 'Newcastle United may have to sell before more new signings'

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that he is prepared to wheel and deal in the transfer market this summer.

The Magpies continue to be linked with a number of new players, having already secured the signings of Martin Dubravka, Ki Sung-yueng and Kenedy ahead of the new season.

However, Benitez has indicated that he may have to sell players before having the opportunity to further add to his squad before the end of the window.

The Spaniard is quoted by Chronicle Live as saying: "It's not necessary to say anything. As soon as the price goes a little high I know we can't buy them.

"We have to be realistic, maybe sell some players and buy some players. It's normal for us to think we have to be like that. The point for us is we have to adapt.

"That is the situation. Are we happy with that? Obviously not 100% but we try to do our best to be strong enough and we can compete."

To coincide with three incomings, Jesus Gamez and Massadio Haidara have been released and Mikel Merino has been sold to Real Sociedad.